On August 14, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the mpox outbreak that already is affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo and 12 other African countries “a public health emergency of international concern.” The rapid spread of COVID-19 four years ago made it clear that no country is isolated when it comes to health threats. Declarations like the one from the WHO regarding mpox can understandably cause concern—but they are also part of a collective effort to keep us safe.
In this article, we’ve carefully distilled the five most essential pieces of information you need to understand the current mpox situation and what it means for all of us moving forward.
1. Mpox is a virus in the same family as smallpox.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, belongs to the same family as the more well-known smallpox virus. Though mpox is less severe than smallpox, it shares similar symptoms, including fever, respiratory issues, muscle aches and a characteristic rash. The rash can go through several stages as it progresses, including scabs, but it is not related to chickenpox. Another thing these viruses have in common is that vaccines exist for all of them—meaning they are largely preventable. The global eradication of smallpox in 1980 serves as a reminder of what can be achieved with concerted global action.
2. Mpox is spread through contact.
Mpox transmission occurs primarily through close contact with infected individuals, contaminated materials or animals. The virus can spread via bodily fluids, respiratory droplets or skin lesions, making it especially dangerous in crowded or unsanitary conditions. Recent outbreaks have shown that mpox can also be transmitted sexually, further complicating efforts to control its spread.
3. Mpox is more deadly to already vulnerable groups of people.
The current outbreaks have proven to be particularly lethal for vulnerable populations, including children under 15 and those with compromised immune systems. More than 14,000 cases have been reported this year, with 524 deaths—96% of which have been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The virus poses an even greater threat in regions with widespread malnutrition, other infectious diseases and large communities of displaced people, who often live in crowded conditions without proper hygiene supplies.
4. Mpox is spreading across 13 countries in Africa.
The current mpox outbreaks have rapidly spread across 13 African countries, including some that had previously never reported cases of the virus. This alarming geographic expansion highlights the virus’s ability to cross borders and infiltrate new regions, often those with limited healthcare infrastructure. The spread has been fueled by a combination of factors, including population movement due to conflict, limited access to healthcare and inadequate disease-surveillance systems. Countries such as the DRC and neighboring countries like Burundi and Kenya are at the forefront of this crisis and face significant challenges in controlling the virus’s spread.
5. We can contain mpox with the right resources and expertise.
Containing the mpox outbreaks requires a coordinated effort and the deployment of expert resources—areas where International Medical Corps excels. As the virus spreads, the need for swift and effective intervention is becoming more critical than ever.
International Medical Corps has a proven track record in managing outbreaks of infectious disease in challenging environments, as demonstrated by our experience with multiple Ebola crises. We helped to lead the response to the world’s largest outbreak of Ebola in 2014–16, deploying more than 1,500 people to West Africa and providing care for thousands of patients. In the DRC, which has experienced multiple outbreaks—including the world’s second-largest—we have built multiple Ebola Treatment Centers, treated hundreds of patients, conducted more than 1.2 million screenings and supported clinical trials for new treatments, demonstrating our expertise in each aspect of infectious-disease management.
Of course, our global efforts extend beyond Ebola. For example, we helped reduce malaria-related illness and death in Venezuela by training health workers and providing medical supplies and equipment. Our cholera responses in countries like Cameroon, Somalia and Yemen underscore our ability to implement successful containment strategies in diverse settings. And beginning in 2020, International Medical Corps led the global fight against COVID-19—supporting hospitals across the United States and in countries worldwide, screening more than 7.9 million people for COVID-19, distributing millions of pieces of essential supplies and training more than 29,000 frontline healthcare professionals on COVID-19 prevention and control.
By applying these proven methods—strengthening infection prevention and control, providing essential medical supplies and supporting health infrastructure—International Medical Corps is working to contain the mpox outbreaks and mitigate their impact.
Staying informed is one of the most powerful tools we have in the fight against emerging health threats like mpox. By understanding the facts and supporting efforts to combat infectious disease globally, you play a crucial role in safeguarding lives. As a member of International Medical Corps’ global community, you are actively contributing to the prevention of deadly diseases and the protection of vulnerable populations. Together, we can make a difference, ensuring that the right resources and expertise reach those who need them most. Thank you for standing with us in our mission to save lives and build a healthier, safer world for all.