The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concerns about the resurgence of Mpox, previously downgraded as a global threat. Despite being eased from a global emergency status, the organization has now reinstated alarms over the disease. The current outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has prompted fears of potential global transmission.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of WHO, emphasized the ongoing challenges posed by Mpox, stating the need for a robust and proactive response. Consequently, the agency has once again alerted the international community about the infectious disease. Rosamund Lewis, WHO's technical lead for Mpox, expressed worries regarding the possibility of further spread beyond the DRC. The country has seen a rapid surge in cases, with over 13,000 suspected cases, more than 1,000 detected within a month, and a death toll surpassing 600.
Global Spread of Mpox
On December 13, Japan reported its first Mpox-related fatality. The deceased individual, who had HIV and no travel history, raised concerns about local transmission. Health authorities clarified that the source of infection remained unclear.
Ongoing outbreaks in Asia, including Japan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and China, indicate that the case might not be solely linked to Africa.
Mpox Background
Formerly known as monkeypox, the disease gained traction in the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic when public health awareness peaked. Contrary to popular belief, experts do not classify Mpox as a sexually transmitted infection (STI). The primary mode of transmission involves close contact with an infected person, including talking or being in proximity to them when they exhale droplets.
The recent resurgence of Mpox, despite its earlier downgrade from a global health emergency, has reignited concerns about its potential to spread globally. WHO's renewed warnings highlight the importance of proactive measures and heightened vigilance to prevent further escalation.
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