W.H.O. declares mpox outbreak in Africa global health emergency

W.H.O. declares mpox outbreak in Africa global health emergency

THE World Health Organization has taken decisive action in response to a rapidly spreading mpox outbreak in Africa. The viral infection, which began in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has now spread to several neighboring countries, prompting the WHO to declare a global public health emergency for the second time in two years.

“The situation constitutes a public health emergency of international concern,” according to Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization.

An emergency committee met earlier today to advise World Health Orgazanition Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on whether the mpox outbreak in Africa should be classified as a “public health emergency of international concern.”

The said outbreak began with an endemic strain known as ‘Clade I.’ However, a new variant, clade Ib (ONE-B), appears to spread more easily through routine close contact, including sexual contact.

“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,” Tedros added.

This new variant has already spread to neighboring countries like Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, prompting the WHO’s latest declaration.

“It’s clear that the coordinated international response is essential to stop these outbreaks and save lives a public emergency of international concern is the highest level of alarm under international law,” he said.

Earlier this week, Africa’s top public health body also declared an mpox emergency, noting the alarming spread of the virus across the continent. More than 17,000 suspected cases and over 500 deaths have been reported this year, mostly among children in Congo.

Meanwhile, Tedros announced that the organization has already released $1.5 million in contingency funds to combat the mpox outbreak, with plans to allocate more funds in the coming days. The WHO’s response plan will require an initial $15 million, for which the agency will seek additional funding from donors.

Mpox usually starts with a rash that can look similar to chickenpox, syphilis or herpes. The rash typically progresses to small bumps on the skin, then to blisters that fill with whitish fluid. The illness is often accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes.

Health authorities advise avoiding contact with items used by someone with mpox, like utensils, bedding, and clothing. If mpox is present in your home, ensure thorough cleaning and disinfecting. Regularly wash your hands with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer, particularly before eating, touching your face, or after using the bathroom.

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