What is mpox and how does it affect refugees and displaced people?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox a worldwide Public Health Emergency — and people forced to flee are among those most vulnerable to its effects.

What is the mpox outbreak emergency?

A contagious strain of mpox has been detected in at least 13 African countries including the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The first case of the new strain in Europe was reported on 15 August in Sweden. On 16 August, Pakistan reported its first case of mpox.

WHO is calling for a coordinated international response to stop outbreaks of the virus and save lives. UNHCR is assisting with this response.

What is mpox? 

Mpox is an illness caused by the monkeypox virus. It is a viral infection which can spread between people, mainly through close contact. It can sometimes be transmitted from infected animals to people who have contact with them, too. 

The symptoms include a rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen glands (lymph nodes).

Mpox is endemic in West and Central Africa where sporadic outbreaks have occurred since the 1970s. A global outbreak was declared in 2022, spreading to more than 70 countries that had not previously reported mpox. In that outbreak, fewer than 1 per cent of those affected died. The new strain of the virus causes the same disease as the 2022 strain but it poses a greater risk of more severe symptoms and higher mortality. 

Click here for more detailed information from WHO about mpox, how it is spread, symptoms, risks associated and care information. 

Where is the mpox outbreak occurring?

The majority of cases have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where 7.3 million people have been displaced by conflict and natural disasters. Mpox has also been detected in other countries in central and eastern Africa, including Burundi, Cameroon and Rwanda. Many of these countries generously host refugees.

The first case in Europe was reported in Sweden in August. Pakistan also reported its first case in August.

How is mpox affecting refugees and displaced people? 

The virus is threatening people who are already living in desperate conditions — displaced by conflict, and lacking basic necessities like safe shelter, clean water and medical care.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, over 18,000 suspected cases and 615 deaths have been recorded. Refugees in South Kivu Province are among those affected. There have also been positive cases among refugees in the Republic of the Congo and Rwanda.

International solidarity and support to address this health emergency is urgently needed. Your donation today can provide soap, clean water and sanitation facilities in refugee camps and displacement sites to help prevent the spread of disease. Your support will also ensure that refugees and displaced people can access national health services for early diagnosis and care.

What is UNHCR doing to help?  

UNHCR is working closely with WHO and other partners to assess, prepare and respond. UNHCR’s work focuses on:

• Advocacy: Ensuring refugees and other forcibly displaced people are included in the national health response.
• Monitoring: Monitoring mpox risks in displacement camps.
• Case management: Training health workers in camps on early warning, disease identification and management. 
• Community engagement: Educating refugees and displaced people on the disease and its risks.
• Hygiene and sanitation: Hand-washing points have been installed or upgraded in refugee camps and transit centres. UNHCR is also drilling more boreholes to resolve water shortages in health facilities.

Can I contract mpox in Australia?

No cases of the new mpox strain have been reported yet.

For more information about mpox in Australia, visit: 
Mpox (monkeypox) | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care 

How you can support UNHCR to prevent the spread of mpox

Your donation today can provide soap and clean water and improve sanitation facilities in refugee camps and displacement sites to help prevent the spread of disease. Your support will also ensure that refugees and displaced people can access national health services for early diagnosis and care.

DONATE NOW