Japan issues Level 1 Mpox alert to seven African countries

Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a Level 1 infectious disease alert for seven African countries, advising citizens planning to travel to these countries to take precautions against MPOX. This comes shortly after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared an alarming increase in MPOX cases, including a new virus discovered by scientists in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a public health emergency of global concern. “A coordinated international response is essential to stop the outbreak and save lives,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

More than 500 people have died from the new MPOX strain, called Clade 1b, since it was first discovered in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In 2022, the less severe Clade 2 MPOX strain claimed 89 lives worldwide, according to the WHO. center The Africa CDC reported that the new MPOX strain has been found in at least 13 African countries, including seven on Japan’s recommended list: Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Republic of Congo and Central African Republic. Cases have also been reported in Sweden and Pakistan.

What is Mpox?

Formerly known as monkeypox, the monkeypox virus is a contagious viral disease that belongs to the same family as the virus that causes smallpox. Symptoms include a rash that forms blisters that then crust over, swollen lymph nodes, and fever. It can be spread through close contact with an infected person. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has called on wealthy countries to provide monkeypox vaccines to African countries because their supplies are running low. At a press conference last week, Health Minister Keizo Takemi announced that Tokyo will supply the Democratic Republic of Congo with vaccines produced in Japan, as well as other products, at the country’s request.

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