Children are especially susceptible to the new strain of the deadly mpox virus that is rapidly spreading worldwide, having been declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization.
Recent data indicates that around two-thirds of infections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – which currently accounts for about 90% of reported cases – are found in individuals under the age of 15, resulting in the death of over 321 children.
Outlined below are five ways in which the virus is impacting children:
1) Children have a higher likelihood of contracting mpox compared to adults, with 70% of DRC’s 14,901 cases occurring in children under 15 and nearly four times more likely to die from the virus compared to adults. WHO statistics reveal an 8.6% case fatality ratio for children under one year old, as opposed to 2.4% in individuals aged 15 and above.
2) The transmission of the virus may be facilitated by children’s weaker immune systems or their increased physical contact through play and school interactions. Mpox can spread through skin-to-skin contact, airborne contact, and contaminated surfaces like bedding, clothing, and utensils.
3) Children are at a heightened risk due to the similar symptoms of mpox to other common childhood illnesses like scabies and chickenpox, leading to delayed recognition and treatment.
4) Mpox symptoms include fever, rash, lesions across the body, severe headaches, fatigue, respiratory problems, difficulty swallowing, and susceptibility to secondary bacterial infections. Severe cases may result in sepsis, necessitating urgent medical attention.
5) With the impending return to school for children in many countries, lockdowns or school closures to control the virus spread will negatively impact learning. Save the Children reported newborn babies contracting the virus in overcrowded hospitals in DRC.
In response to the outbreak, Save the Children is providing support in North Kivu and South Kivu in DRC through water, sanitation, and health services, including PPE distribution and training community leaders in identification and reporting of suspected cases. The organization is also collaborating with the Burundi government on a national response plan to address the rising infection rates.
Dr. Revati Phalkey, Global Director of Health and Nutrition at Save the Children, emphasized the urgent need for increased control measures and vaccination efforts to protect children from the virus. She stressed the importance of addressing the most vulnerable children, such as those living in refugee camps with limited access to basic necessities.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Save the Children.