The World Health Organization (WHO) is seriously considering declaring a global emergency over the rapidly spreading mpox outbreak in Africa. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that more funding and help are needed to tackle the virus, which is now hitting 10 African countries, with Congo suffering the most. Cases have jumped 160% this year, affecting many children and causing hundreds of deaths. The situation is so alarming that WHO might soon call an international emergency meeting, just like they did for COVID-19. As new outbreaks appear in countries like Burundi and Rwanda, the urgency to contain mpox has never been greater.
In a recent social media post, Tedros mentioned he’s thinking about calling a special emergency committee to decide if mpox should be classified as a global health emergency. This is the highest level of alert the WHO can give. The decision on when to make this declaration, or issue any warnings, is still pending, reports Jack Phillips from The Epoch Times.
Tedros emphasized that to control the outbreak, countries need more resources for things like tracking the virus, engaging with communities, and providing vaccines to those most at risk. He pointed out that affected areas need a significant boost in their response efforts, including better diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines.
A “public health emergency of international concern” is the strongest warning the WHO can issue. It was used for COVID-19 at the start of the pandemic in 2020 and also applied to mpox in 2022 when it spread through Europe and the U.S.
Recently, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that mpox has now spread to 10 African countries this year, with Congo bearing the brunt. Congo has more than 96% of all mpox cases and deaths, and nearly 70% of those affected are children under 15, who also make up 85% of the deaths.
So far this year, there have been about 14,250 cases of mpox, almost matching last year’s total. The number of cases has surged by 160% compared to the first seven months of 2023, and deaths have increased by 19%, reaching 456.
New reports show that Burundi and Rwanda have now detected the virus, and outbreaks are also emerging in the Central African Republic and Kenya. The Central African Republic’s public health minister expressed deep concern about the situation, especially in the capital region.
In Uganda, two cases were confirmed recently, with symptoms including skin rashes, swollen lymph nodes, and general feeling of sickness. Kenya has reported mpox in a passenger coming from Uganda, and they’ve declared it a significant concern. South Africa has also found 22 cases of mpox and three deaths, and health officials are actively working to trace and monitor contacts to stop further spread.
Mpox symptoms, according to the U.S. CDC, include a rash that might appear on various parts of the body, including the face, feet, hands, and near the genitals. The rash can develop into scabs and might look like blisters or pimples. Other symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, chills, body aches, fatigue, and respiratory issues like cough or sore throat.
The global community is keeping a close eye on the situation, as more countries and health organizations step up to address this urgent health threat.
