The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, a global health emergency due to a severe outbreak in several parts of Africa. The highly contagious disease has already claimed at least 450 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), with concerns mounting as the disease spreads rapidly across central and eastern Africa.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed deep concern over the possibility of further spread within Africa and globally, stating, "The potential for further transmission is very worrying." He emphasized the urgent need for a coordinated international effort to contain the outbreak and save lives.

Mpox is spread primarily through close contact, including sexual activity, skin-to-skin interaction, and even close conversations. The disease can cause flu-like symptoms, painful skin lesions, and can be fatal, with about 4% of cases resulting in death.

There are two main types of mpox: Clade 1 and Clade 2. The current outbreak, caused by the deadlier Clade 1 variant, has raised alarm among scientists. This strain, known to have a higher fatality rate, has seen up to 10% of infected individuals succumb to the illness in previous outbreaks. Since last September, mutations have led to a more dangerous offshoot called Clade 1b, which is spreading quickly and has been described as the "most dangerous yet."

So far, more than 13,700 cases have been reported in DR Congo this year, with at least 450 deaths. The disease has also been detected in other African nations, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and the Central African Republic. With the declaration of mpox as a public health emergency, WHO aims to accelerate research, funding, and international measures to combat the outbreak.

In a previous outbreak in July 2022, the milder Clade 2 strain of mpox spread to nearly 100 countries, affecting over 87,000 people and causing 140 deaths. Although mpox can affect anyone, the outbreak largely impacted men who have sex with men. That outbreak was contained through vaccination efforts targeting vulnerable groups.

On Tuesday, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention also declared mpox a public health emergency, urging swift action to control the spread.

Monkeypox Virus: What You Need to Know About the Fast-Spreading Disease and Its Dangers