A Deadly Mpox Strain Is Back – And It’s Hitting Kids Hard

By Beyond Clinics | Updated August 2025

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is battling one of the most severe Mpox outbreaks in recent years, with over 29,000 reported cases and thousands of children under 15 among the victims. Unlike the previous outbreak that mostly affected adults, this strain has shifted dangerously towards children, raising global concerns.

What Is Mpox?

Mpox, previously known as Monkeypox, is a viral infection caused by the Orthopoxvirus. It is related to smallpox, though less deadly. The virus spreads through direct contact with infected persons, animals, or contaminated objects. While Mpox has existed for decades in Central and West Africa, the new strain is showing unusual patterns in how it spreads and who it affects.

Why Is This Outbreak Different?

• Children hit hardest: The majority of cases are in children under 15, with many fatalities reported.
• New symptoms: Doctors are noticing genital and oral wounds, which are often mistaken for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Rapid community spread: Unlike past outbreaks confined to villages, this strain is spreading across towns and borders.

Causes of the Current Mpox Surge

Experts point to several factors fueling the outbreak:

1. Weak health systems: In DRC and many African countries, underfunded hospitals struggle to diagnose and isolate cases quickly.
2. Close human-animal contact: Bushmeat consumption and contact with wild animals remain common sources of transmission.
3. Low awareness: Many people confuse Mpox with other skin diseases, delaying treatment and spreading infections.
4. Poor sanitation: Overcrowded living conditions make the virus spread much faster.

Symptoms to Watch Out For

Common Mpox symptoms include:

• Fever, chills, and fatigue
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Skin rashes and painful blisters
• Genital and oral wounds – a new, worrying sign in this outbreak

Prevention and Protection

Health experts recommend the following steps to reduce the spread:

• Avoid direct contact with suspected cases and wild animals
• Practice proper handwashing and hygiene
• Cook meat thoroughly before eating
• Report unusual rashes to the nearest health facility
• Support vaccination campaigns where available

Global Response

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called the outbreak a public health emergency. International aid groups are working with African governments to improve surveillance, testing, and treatment. However, funding gaps and limited vaccines mean the fight is far from over.

Why Ghana and Africa Should Be Concerned

Although Ghana has not yet reported major Mpox cases in 2025, the country remains at risk due to cross-border movement. In 2022, Ghana confirmed its first Mpox cases in West Africa in decades. With trade, travel, and porous borders, a regional spread is very possible.

This outbreak highlights the urgent need for:

• Stronger border health checks
• Public education on symptoms and prevention
• Investment in diagnostic labs and vaccines
• Collaboration with neighboring countries to contain spread

The Way Forward

Mpox is not new, but this deadly strain targeting children is a reminder that public health emergencies require proactive action. Ghana and other African nations must strengthen their health systems now to prevent future crises. If ignored, Mpox could spread silently, overwhelming already fragile healthcare systems.