M-pox virus, previously known as monkeypox, has surged across Africa, prompting global health authorities to take urgent action.

Since the start of the year, over 13,700 case have been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) alone. The virus has also infiltrated neighboring countries, including Burundi, the Central African Republic, Kenya, and Rwanda.

M-pox spreads through close contact, including sexual contact, skin-to-skin interaction, and even talking or breathing near an infected person. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and distinctive skin lesions.

There are two strains of the virus. The milder strain caused a global outbreak in 2022, primarily through sexual contact. However, the second, more lethal strain is endemic in central Africa and is responsible for the recent variant in the DRC.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a public health emergency due to the escalating spread of M-pox in Africa. Experts are closely monitoring the situation to determine if it warrants classification as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Efforts are underway to interrupt transmission, raise awareness, and provide medical aid to affected regions.