MPox Cases Surge in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Cases of MPox (formerly known as Monekypox) in Africa have climbed to over 15,000 this year, a stark increase from past years. The Africa Centers for Disease Control plans to announce an emergency this week as cases continue to rise.

The virus comes from the same family as smallpox and can spread between animals and humans. The virus was discovered in 1958 in colonies of monkeys, hence the original name, but does not have a confirmed source. The World Health Organization changed the name to MPox in 2022 after concerns that the original title had racist and derogatory undertones.

Ninty-six percent of the cases have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), killing many, specifically children. However, the virus has been seen in countries across Africa, including Kenya.

The World Health Organization is conducting meetings to decide whether or not to declare an international emergency as the virus has already spread throughout Africa and has the potential to move beyond. Right now, countries bordering the DRC, including Uganda, Rwanda, and Zambia, are under close watch.

While MPox is currently surging through African countries, Sweden just reported its first case. The World Health Organization has taken $1 million out of its emergency fund to help alleviate the crisis. For more information about the virus, possible vaccines, and updates, check out the official CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) website.

In 2022, the United States dubbed the MPox outbreak a “public health emergency.” According to GLAAD, during the 2022 outbreak, the virus was commonly spread among gay and bisexual men having close or intimate contact with other men. As a result, many queer men reported limiting their sexual contact with other men.

Despite these reports, it is worth noting that MPox is not considered a sexually transmitted infection as it can also be spread through general skin-to-skin contact. GLAAD proposed that athletes and athlete facilities likely spread the virus as well, indicating that a person’s behavior is a more accurate variable than their identity.

Anyone, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, can get MPox. Stigmatizing the LGBTQ+ community only furthered false and harmful stereotypes about queer men.

Now, in 2024, it’s important not to make assumptions or to vilify the African American community or any group about a virus that everyone is susceptible to. Using the new and correct title for the virus (MPox) works to de-stigmatize the issues with the old one (Monkeypox) and aligns with what medical professionals and world health organizations use in public announcements, reports, and research.

Image Courtesy of ABC