First Mpox Cases in Guinea-Bissau Raise Global Health Concerns

The first mpox cases emerging in Guinea-Bissau indicate that the virus is spreading to new countries, while experts call for urgent measures to bring the outbreak under control.

Global Spread and New Cases

The first recorded mpox cases in Guinea-Bissau have brought this contagious virus, formerly known as monkeypox, back to the forefront. Since 2022, nearly 190,000 laboratory-confirmed cases have been reported across 145 countries worldwide.

Symptoms and Strains of the Disease

Mpox is typically an infectious disease that begins with flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, shivers, and muscle aches, followed by a characteristic rash. The virus primarily consists of two main strains: the Congo Basin clade I and the West African clade II.

Impact on Children

UNICEF expressed concern that 23 out of 46 suspected cases identified in the recent outbreak in Guinea-Bissau involve children under the age of 15. Children constitute the most disadvantaged group in terms of the risk of severe illness and death.

Controlling the Outbreak

Experts emphasize that early diagnosis, contact tracing, robust public health surveillance, supportive care, and equitable vaccine distribution are vital to halting the spread of the mpox virus.