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The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox, previously known as monkeypox, a global public health emergency for the second time in two years. This decision follows the detection and rapid spread of a new, more lethal strain of the virus, primarily in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and now spreading to neighboring countries and beyond.
Overview of Mpox
Mpox is a contagious viral infection that spreads through close physical contact and can cause flu-like symptoms and characteristic skin lesions. The disease is caused by the mpox virus, a member of the same family of viruses as smallpox, though typically less severe. However, the newly identified clade 1b strain has shown both an increased transmission rate and a higher fatality risk compared to previous strains.
Current Global Situation
Recent outbreaks have been reported across several countries in Africa, including DRC, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, with cases also confirmed in Thailand, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, Sweden, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Nigeria, South Africa, the Philippines, and Pakistan. The WHO is particularly concerned about the spread through networks associated with commercial sex and sex workers, which has been a significant factor in the rapid increase in cases.
Implications of WHO’s Declaration
The designation of mpox as a “public health emergency of international concern” is the highest level of alert the WHO can issue. This status aims to galvanize global action and cooperation to prevent further spread and mitigate the impact of the virus. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the necessity of a coordinated international response to tackle these outbreaks effectively.
Response and Measures
In response to the escalating situation, the WHO has released $1.45 million in contingency funds and anticipates an immediate funding requirement of $15 million for its initial response plan. Efforts are underway to enhance vaccine access, with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention partnering with Bavarian Nordic to secure millions of vaccine doses for distribution.
Public and Health Sector Guidance
While comparisons to the COVID-19 pandemic are being dismissed by health authorities, the potential for mpox to cause significant health crises remains if not adequately contained. Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO’s Regional Director for Europe, stated that the risk to the general population is low, but a collaborative effort is required to manage the outbreak effectively.
Looking Forward
The global health community remains vigilant in monitoring the spread of mpox, with ongoing evaluations to adapt and scale response efforts as necessary. The current focus is on containing the outbreaks through surveillance, vaccination, and public health education to prevent a larger crisis.
