The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the mpox outbreak in Africa a serious global health emergency.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has killed at least 450 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) alone.
Mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus, which is related to smallpox but usually less severe. It originally spread from animals to humans but now also spreads between people.
The disease is most common in remote villages in Africa, particularly in DR Congo, where thousands of cases and hundreds of deaths occur each year, with children under 15 being the hardest hit.
There are two main types of mpox: Clade 1 and Clade 2. The recent outbreak involves Clade 1, which is more dangerous and has killed up to 10% of those infected in past outbreaks.
A new variant called Clade 1b, which emerged last year, is now spreading quickly and is considered very dangerous.
Between early 2024 and late July, more than 14,500 people were infected and over 450 died from mpox, representing a significant increase from the previous year.
Mpox spreads through close contact with an infected person, including through sexual contact, skin-to-skin contact, or by touching contaminated objects.
It can also spread from infected animals like monkeys and rodents. The disease is mainly affecting sexually active people and those with multiple partners, but anyone in close contact with an infected person is at risk.
Symptoms start with fever, headaches, and muscle pain, followed by a rash that often begins on the face and spreads to other body parts.
The rash goes through stages, forming scabs that eventually fall off. Serious cases can involve widespread lesions, especially in sensitive areas like the mouth and genitals.
Vaccines are available and can help control outbreaks, but access is limited in affected areas. The WHO is urging drug manufacturers to make vaccines available for emergency use.
With the declaration of a public health emergency, there is hope for better coordination and increased medical aid to combat the outbreak.
(Source: BBC)
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cxww2dxr3mko