WHO Declares Mpox a Global Public Health Emergency
Second Declaration in Two Years due to Ongoing Outbreaks in Africa and Global Rise in Cases
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, a global public health emergency for the second time in two years, in response to the ongoing outbreak in parts of Africa and a sharp rise in cases in Toronto.
As of Tuesday, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had reported more than 500 deaths so far this year. The WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said during a media conference on Wednesday, “This is something that should concern us all.”
The decision to declare the emergency was made after the WHO emergency committee met and advised that the situation constituted a public health emergency of international concern.
This determination can accelerate research, funding, and international public health measures and cooperation to contain the disease.
Originally identified in monkeys in 1958, mpox is primarily confined to central and western Africa and is spread through close contact with infected animals. However, the virus has been spreading rapidly globally, including in Europe and North America since 2022.
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Mpox belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox and causes similar but generally milder symptoms.
While not strictly a sexually transmitted infection, it is spread through contact with bodily fluids or scabs and contaminated personal items like clothing, bedding, sex toys or toothbrushes, according to Toronto Public Health.
Mpox is characterized by two distinct genetic groups called clades: I and II. These clades have evolved separately over time and display different genetic and clinical features.
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The outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) began with the spread of Clade I. But a new variant, Clade Ib, appears to spread more easily through routine close contact, including sexual contact. It has spread from Congo to neighbouring countries, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, triggering action from the WHO.
Unlike in previous mpox outbreaks, where lesions were mostly seen on the chest, hands and feet, the new form causes milder symptoms and lesions on the genitals. That makes it harder to spot, meaning people might also sicken others without knowing they’re infected, officials said.
The Africa CDC previously said that mpox has been detected in 13 countries this year, and that more than 96 per cent of all cases and deaths are in Congo. Cases are up 160 per cent and deaths are up 19 per cent compared with the same period last year. So far, there have been more than 14,000 cases.
Conclusion:
Mpox is a contagious disease that is spreading rapidly worldwide, and its impact is being felt globally. The WHO’s decision to declare a public health emergency is an acknowledgement of the urgency of the situation and highlights the need for concerted efforts to prevent further spread.
FAQs:
1. What is mpox?
Mpox is a contagious disease caused by the Mpox virus. It is a rare disease, but it has spread rapidly worldwide.
2. Where is mpox most commonly found?
Mpox is primarily found in central and western Africa, but it has recently spread to other parts of the world.
3. How is mpox spread?
Mpox is spread through close contact with an infected person or contaminated objects.
4. What are the symptoms of mpox?
The symptoms of mpox can include fever, headache, and rashes on the face, hands, and feet.
5. Can mpox be treated?
Yes, mpox can be treated with antiviral medications.
6. What can be done to prevent the spread of mpox?
Practicing good hygiene, avoiding close contact with an infected person, and disinfecting surfaces and objects that may have come into contact with the virus are some of the steps that can be taken to prevent the spread of mpox.