The World Health Organization (WHO) has once again declared Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) a global health emergency. This declaration came after a more dangerous strain of the virus, clade Ib, was detected in four African countries that had not previously reported cases. The outbreak is primarily centered in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the majority of cases have been reported.
The Severity of the Situation
On Wednesday, WHO convened an emergency committee to assess the outbreak’s seriousness. The committee, composed of independent experts, advised WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to declare the situation a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This is the highest level of alarm under international health regulations, typically reserved for extraordinary events that pose a risk to global public health.
Dr. Tedros echoed the committee’s concerns, stating, “The detection and rapid spread of a new clade of Mpox in eastern DRC, its detection in neighboring countries that had not previously reported Mpox, and the potential for further spread within Africa and beyond is very worrying.”
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This declaration follows the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention’s (Africa CDC) recent decision to label the outbreak a public health emergency of continental security, marking the first time this agency has issued such a warning since its inception in 2017.
Although no cases have been reported in the U.S. in the latest outbreak, doctors have been urged to watch out for symptoms like skin rashes and lesions with the hope that this will speed up research and accumulate more funding and public health measures to contain the disease.
Understanding Mpox and Its Spread
Mpox is a viral disease that spreads through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials. The virus causes a painful rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. In some cases, the disease can be severe, particularly with the clade Ib strain, which has shown higher transmissibility and increased severity.
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Traditionally found in Central and West Africa, Mpox began spreading to Europe and North America in 2022. WHO had previously declared the spread of Mpox a global health emergency in July 2022, but that declaration was lifted in May 2023. However, the emergence of clade Ib has prompted a renewed focus on the virus.
The Global Response
WHO officials have emphasized that containing this outbreak requires international cooperation. The organization has initiated an Emergency Use Listing process for Mpox vaccines and has developed a regional response plan. This plan includes an initial allocation of $1.5 million from WHO’s Contingency Fund for Emergencies and an effort to raise $15 million in total to fight the outbreak.
Half a million doses of the vaccine are currently in stock, and another 2.4 million doses could be produced by the end of the year. The first batches of these vaccines will be sent to the DRC and Nigeria, the hardest-hit areas.
What You Can Do to Stay Safe
With the declaration of Mpox as a global health emergency, it’s crucial to stay informed and take preventive measures. Here are some tips to protect yourself and your community:
- Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news from WHO and local health authorities regarding the spread of Mpox in your area.
- Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after touching potentially contaminated surfaces or materials.
- Avoid Close Contact: Limit close physical contact with individuals who are sick, especially if they exhibit symptoms like a rash, fever, or swollen lymph nodes.
- Seek Medical Advice: If you experience symptoms consistent with Mpox, seek medical advice promptly. Early detection and treatment can help manage the disease more effectively.
- Vaccination: If available and recommended by health authorities, consider getting vaccinated against Mpox, particularly if you live in or plan to travel to high-risk areas.
The WHO’s declaration of Mpox as a global health emergency underscores the seriousness of the outbreak, particularly with the emergence of the more dangerous clade Ib strain. While international efforts are underway to contain the virus, staying informed and taking preventive measures remain key to protecting yourself and your community. As the situation evolves, continued vigilance and cooperation will be crucial in preventing further spread and saving lives.
