WHO Declares Mpox Outbreak in Africa a Global Health Emergency
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the ongoing mpox outbreak in Africa a global health emergency, marking the highest level of alert under international health law. This comes after the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention issued a similar alert, with a deadlier strain of the virus, clade Ib, rapidly spreading in the Democratic Republic of Congo and reaching at least four other African nations.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease related to smallpox. It spreads through close contact, such as touching or sexual contact, and through contaminated materials. Symptoms typically include flu-like effects followed by a rash that resolves over weeks.
The current outbreak, driven by the more severe clade I, has experts concerned. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that the risk of further international spread is high. Clade I outbreaks have previously shown fatality rates of up to 10%, though recent outbreaks have had lower death rates. Vulnerable groups, including infants, immunocompromised individuals, and pregnant women, are at higher risk of severe infection.
The outbreak is not limited to one region or clade; multiple outbreaks are happening across different countries with varying transmission methods. WHO is urging increased surveillance, diagnostics, and research to better understand and contain the spread. Vaccines are available but not widely accessible in Africa, though efforts are underway to improve distribution.
As the virus continues to spread, experts stress the importance of global attention and response, especially in affected African countries.
