MPox Surge Among Children in DRC and Burundi: A Public Health Crisis
Kinasha, 13 November 2024 – The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi are facing a public health crisis as a new strain of the potentially lethal mpox virus spreads aggressively among children. Save the Children reports a troubling increase in cases since the outbreak was declared a public health emergency in mid-August, with child cases more than doubling in recent months. This grave situation raises urgent concerns for child health and welfare in a region marked by vulnerability.
Alarming Increase in Cases
In the DRC, which has become the epicenter of this outbreak, the number of suspected child cases has surged over 130%, escalating from approximately 11,300 to 25,600 as of 3 November. Meanwhile, in Burundi, confirmed cases among children have skyrocketed from 89 to around 1,100. Collectively, these two nations account for 92% of all mpox cases reported in Africa this year, revealing a critical public health challenge.
The rapid transmission of the new clade 1b strain places children at particularly high risk. According to the latest data, children are nearly four times more likely to die from this strain than adults. These young individuals often face compounded threats due to malnutrition, insufficient healthcare, and poor sanitation – obstacles that significantly elevate the severity of their situations.
Understanding Mpox and Its Symptoms
Mpox, which manifests as fever, rash, and lesions throughout the body, causes severe headaches and fatigue. Some affected children develop respiratory complications, and in severe cases, the disease can lead to sepsis—a severe and life-threatening response to infection. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that the total number of suspected and confirmed mpox cases across Africa has exceeded 46,000 this year, with over 1,000 reported fatalities.
Expert Voices Caution Against Inaction
Dr. Katia Vieira de Moraes LaCasse, Senior Clinical Manager at Save the Children’s Emergency Health Unit, emphasizes the urgency of addressing this crisis. “This new mpox variant is still poorly understood, but we do know that it is moving quickly between children, especially in the DRC and Burundi, who are already facing severe risks from conflict-driven or climate-driven hunger and collapsing healthcare systems," said Dr. LaCasse. “As mpox spreads across Europe and other parts of the world, the world must not turn its back on children caught at the heart of this outbreak.”
Dr. LaCasse further noted the unique vulnerabilities of children, stating, “They explore by touch and taste, may not fully comprehend health guidance, and possess weaker immune systems than adults.” She argues for urgent efforts to supply timely health information and immediate medical attention to affected children.
The Response Efforts Underway
In response to the worsening situation, Save the Children is intensifying its efforts in the DRC and Burundi. Initiatives include disseminating accurate information to communities via both personal outreach and mass communication. Specific measures in eastern DRC involve providing:
- Medication and isolation tents
- Beds and bedding for healthcare centers
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) for health staff
- Training for community leaders on effective engagement and alert systems for reporting suspected cases
In Burundi, collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Department of Emergency Response (COUSP) is essential for strengthening the healthcare system against mpox. Key focuses are:
- Reducing the transmission of mpox, especially among vulnerable refugee populations.
- Enhancing local healthcare capacity to effectively manage the outbreak.
The Need for Action and Awareness
To curtail the spread of mpox, targeted vaccination strategies similar to those employed during the global epidemic in 2022 are crucial. Comprehensive testing and vigilant awareness campaigns about mpox and vaccine availability must be urgently undertaken, particularly for the at-risk communities in the DRC.
Final Thoughts
Children stand at the heart of this health crisis, with an alarming percentage of mpox-related fatalities occurring in this demographic. As efforts to contain the outbreak continue, the need for global attention and resource allocation remains critical.
For more updates on public health crises and technological solutions in healthcare, visit TechCrunch and The Verge. To explore Save the Children’s initiatives further, head to their official website here.
As this story unfolds, we welcome your thoughts and discussions in the comments below. How can we, as a global community, support efforts to combat such health emergencies?
