The WHO has declared the Mpox outbreak in Africa a global health emergency as a deadlier strain of the virus spreads rapidly across Congo and neighboring countries.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the ongoing Mpox outbreak in Africa a global health emergency, marking it as the highest level of alert in the field of public health. The decision comes after a special emergency committee convened by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, advised that the escalating situation warranted immediate global attention.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has seen a surge in cases, particularly due to the emergence of Clade lb, a more deadly and contagious strain of the virus. This strain has rapidly spread across four previously unaffected regions in Africa, raising serious concerns about its potential to cross borders and affect more countries.
The outbreak has been particularly severe in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has reported over 14,000 cases and 500 deaths since the beginning of the year. In total, there have been 17,000 reported cases and 500 deaths across three African countries. The rapid spread of the virus and the increasing death toll have prompted the WHO to take this unprecedented action, as the situation mirrors past global health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
The African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) had already declared a continental emergency earlier this week, the first such declaration in seven years. The move by the WHO underscores the gravity of the situation, as the virus's reach and impact continue to expand.
Mpox gained international attention in 2022 when it spread to countries outside Africa, including Europe and North America. Between July 2022 and May 2023, Mpox was classified as a global health emergency before the situation was brought under control. However, the current outbreak in Africa has reignited concerns about the virus's potential to cause widespread harm.
The virus is primarily transmitted through close physical contact, such as hugging, kissing, or sexual intercourse, as well as through contaminated materials like clothing or bedding. Symptoms of Mpox include fever, headaches, muscle pain, and fatigue, with the potential for more severe complications.
The WHO's declaration is a call to action for the global community to provide support and resources to combat the spread of Mpox. The international health agency has emphasized the need for increased surveillance, vaccination efforts, and public awareness campaigns to prevent further escalation of the outbreak.
Source: CNN
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