The monkeypox virus, now commonly called mpox, is raising global concern as it spreads swiftly throughout Africa. Initially detected in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the virus has now extended its reach to Uganda and Kenya. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has voiced his concerns, sharing on social media platform X about the potential establishment of an International Health Regulations Emergency Committee. "Given the spread of #mpox beyond #DRC, and the risk of further international transmission within and beyond Africa, I am convening an Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations to assess whether this outbreak constitutes a public health emergency of international concern," he announced.
Efforts to Contain the Mpox Virus Tedros stated that the WHO is collaborating with Africa's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to halt the virus's spread. However, he pointed out that there is a significant funding gap that hinders the full implementation of necessary measures. The African Union's Permanent Representatives Committee has earmarked $10.4 million from COVID-19 funds to support Africa's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in combating the outbreak.
Understanding the Mpox Virus Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral disease characterized by painful skin lesions, fever, headaches, and muscle pain. It transmits from animals to humans and between humans through close contact. The illness typically persists for 2 to 4 weeks. Preventative strategies include avoiding contact with infected individuals and vaccination, as the smallpox vaccine offers some protection.
Symptoms and Health Complications of Mpox Symptoms generally manifest 7-14 days post-exposure and include fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, and back pain. The rash usually begins on the face before spreading to other body parts. According to the WHO, monkeypox can lead to severe health complications such as pneumonia, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, eye infections leading to vision loss, and inflammation in the brain, heart, and rectum. Individuals with HIV or weakened immune systems are more susceptible to these complications.
Current Mpox Outbreak Statistics The WHO reports nearly 27,000 cases of mpox in the DRC this year, with approximately 1,100 fatalities, many among children. Al Jazeera notes, "The disease is particularly prevalent among the young, with 70% of cases and 85% of deaths in the DRC occurring in children under 15." The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reports that over 96% of cases are in the DRC, with a 160% increase in cases and a 19% rise in deaths this year.
Preventing and Treating Mpox Preventive measures for mpox include avoiding contact with infected animals and individuals, maintaining good hygiene, and wearing protective clothing in high-risk areas. There is no specific antiviral treatment for mpox, but supportive care can help alleviate symptoms. This includes adequate fluid intake, managing pain and fever with over-the-counter medications, and using antiviral treatments like tecovirimat in severe cases. Infected individuals should isolate to prevent spreading the virus.
WHO's Next Steps In response to the worsening situation, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has called for an emergency meeting of independent experts to discuss the surge in mpox cases. "The committee will convene as soon as possible, comprising independent experts from diverse relevant disciplines worldwide," Tedros posted on X.
Global Health Implications of the Mpox Virus The WHO previously declared monkeypox a global emergency in 2022 after it spread to over 70 countries. The current outbreak, marked by a sharp increase in cases and fatalities, underscores the urgent need for global attention and resources to effectively combat the virus.
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