WHO declares mpox outbreak a global health emergency

The World Health Organization has declared mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, a global health emergency due to its highly infectious nature. The WHO convened an emergency mpox committee after concerns arose that a more deadly strain of the virus, clade Ib, had spread to four previously unaffected provinces in Africa.

Originally contained to the Democratic Republic of Congo, this new strain of the virus has now spread to other African countries, including Burundi, the Central African Republic, Kenya, and Rwanda. Since the beginning of the year, over 13,700 cases and 450 deaths have been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo alone.

Mpox is known to cause lesions across the entire body, making it a particularly alarming and dangerous disease. The rapid spread of this virus to new regions has prompted urgent action from global health authorities to contain the outbreak and prevent further casualties.

The declaration of mpox as a global health emergency serves as a stark reminder of the importance of international cooperation and preparedness in addressing infectious disease outbreaks.Authorities and medical professionals around the world are working tirelessly to contain the spread of the virus and provide necessary care to those affected.

This development underscores the need for continued vigilance and investment in global health security to prevent similar outbreaks from escalating into widespread crises.