Mpox has once again been declared a global health emergency, marking the second time since 2022 that the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued this highest level of alert. The virus is spreading rapidly across Africa, raising concerns about its potential to spread to other continents.
The WHO’s announcement on Wednesday highlighted that more than 14,000 cases and 524 deaths have been reported in Africa this year alone, surpassing last year’s numbers. The day before, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also declared mpox a public health emergency.
LIVE: Media briefing with @DrTedros on outcome of the #mpox Emergency Committee meeting https://t.co/oghcXCgqcl
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) August 14, 2024
What is Mpox?
Mpox is a viral infection that affects both humans and animals. It belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus, a group of viruses that cause pox-like diseases. The infection typically results in a rash with raised bumps or blisters on the skin, which may be filled with fluid or pus before crusting over and healing. Mpox is similar to smallpox, which has been eradicated, as well as other poxviruses like cowpox.
The disease was first identified in monkeys in 1958, hence the original name “monkeypox.” The first human case was reported in 1970 in a nine-month-old boy from the Democratic Republic of Congo. In 2022, the WHO recommended renaming the virus to “mpox” to reduce the stigma and its association with monkeys, as the virus can also infect rodents and humans.
JUST IN— W.H.O. Declares Global Emergency Over New Mpox Outbreak. The threat this time is deadlier. Since the beginning of this year, the Democratic Republic of Congo alone has reported more than 14,000 mpox cases and 524 deaths. Those most at risk include women and children… pic.twitter.com/oEW3QU8iVS
— Eric Feigl-Ding (@DrEricDing) August 14, 2024
The current situation is serious, with the virus spreading quickly across Africa, prompting global health authorities to take action to prevent a wider outbreak.
How Is Mpox Transmitted?
The mpox virus spreads to humans either through close contact with an infected person or animal.
Transmission from animals to humans usually occurs through bites, scratches, or direct exposure to the blood, body fluids, or wounds of an infected animal.
Human-to-human transmission can occur in several ways:
Direct contact with an infected person’s skin lesions, body fluids, or respiratory droplets.
Extended face-to-face interaction with an infected individual.
Touching contaminated items like bedding or clothing that have come into contact with the virus, although this method of transmission is rare.
The virus can enter the body through broken skin, the respiratory tract, or mucous membranes, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Sweden has reported the first case of Mpox strain outside Africa amid the global health alert.
Symptoms Of Mpox Strain
Common symptoms of mpox include a rash, fever, sore throat, headaches, muscle aches, back pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. The disease often presents with flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions. While it is usually mild, it can be fatal. Children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV, are at a higher risk of complications.
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