WHO Declares Mpox Outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern
This Wednesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially designated the ongoing mpox outbreak, previously known as monkeypox, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as a public health emergency of international concern, marking its highest alert level. The declaration comes in the wake of approximately 90 reported cases of a new, more severe strain of the virus, which has already spread to four neighboring countries: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.
During a press conference, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus disclosed that the decision was reached after extensive analysis by the Emergency Committee, comprising 16 health experts. "Today, the emergency committee confirmed to me and warned me that in their opinion, the situation constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. I accepted that advice," Ghebreyesus stated.
The rapid proliferation and detection of this variant in the DRC, alongside reports from neighboring countries that had not previously encountered mpox, raised alarms within the global health community. The potential for this new strain to transmit primarily through sexual contact, combined with its capacity to rapidly spread beyond Africa, is extremely troubling. Thus far in 2023, cases have surpassed the total reported in 2022, with over 14,000 diagnoses leading to 524 fatalities.
In another significant move, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared a continental health emergency regarding the mpox outbreak just a day prior to the WHO's announcement. This outbreak marks the second instance in two years that mpox has been recognized as a potential international health threat; the previous declaration was lifted in May 2022 after the spread was successfully contained.
Despite the severity of the situation, Pamela Rendi-Wagner, Director of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), noted that the risk posed to the population of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) by the new variant of mpox remains very low at this time. The ECDC is working closely with its African partners to help mitigate the outbreak's impact, aiming to prevent further spread of the variant and to enhance preparedness for future health emergencies.
The emergence and swift escalation of mpox cases not only highlight the complexity of global health threats but also underscore the vital importance of international collaboration in combatting infectious diseases. As the world watches closely, health authorities are mobilizing resources and strategies to contain the outbreak and protect vulnerable populations.
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