WHO Declares A Global Public Health Emergency Following Mpox Outbreak!
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently declared the mpox outbreak in parts of Africa a global public health emergency. Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a highly contagious disease that has caused significant concern among health officials worldwide. This declaration shows the severity of the situation and the need for immediate international action.
The initial outbreak began in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where at least 450 people have died. Since then, the virus has spread to other parts of Africa, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and the Central African Republic, leading to over 13,700 reported cases. The rapid spread and the emergence of a more deadly variant of the virus, Clade 1b, have alarmed scientists and health officials. Some scientists also label this new variant as “the most dangerous yet.” Let’s have a closer look.
Understanding Mpox: History and Transmission
Mpox is not new and known for many years. Its origins date back to cases in Africa. It’s a disease that primarily transmits through close contact with an infected person. This includes skin-to-skin contact, respiratory droplets from talking or breathing close to someone, and even through intimate contact like sex. Infected individuals usually develop flu-like symptoms and skin lesions. In severe cases, mpox can be fatal, with four out of every 100 cases resulting in death.
There are two main types of mpox: Clade 1 and Clade 2. Clade 1 is far more deadly, with a higher fatality rate. The previous global mpox emergency in 2022 was caused by the milder Clade 2 strain. It spread to nearly 100 countries and caused over 87,000 cases and 140 deaths. However, the current outbreak involves the more dangerous Clade 1, which has evolved into a new variant called Clade 1b. This variant which emerged around September last year due to mutations in the virus, is labeled by scientists as “the most dangerous yet.”
The Current Crisis: Clade 1b and Its Impact
The rapid spread of Clade 1b across central and east Africa has created a major public health crisis. In previous outbreaks, Clade 1 has had a fatality rate of up to 10%, making it one of the more deadly variants of the virus. The speed at which this new variant is spreading, combined with its high fatality rate, has made it extremely challenging for health authorities to contain.
One of the significant challenges in managing this outbreak is the limited access to vaccines. Currently, vaccines are only available for those at high risk or for the ones who had close contacts with someone infected. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed deep concern over the potential for further spread. He states “The potential for further spread within Africa and beyond is very worrying.”
Dr. Josie Golding from the Wellcome Trust also emphasized the seriousness of the situation. She calls the WHO’s declaration a “strong signal.”
What Are The Symptoms of MPox?
Mpox symptoms can vary from person to person, but one of the most common signs is a rash. As CDC mentions, rash can appear on different parts of the body, such as the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth, and near the genitals, including the penis, testicles, labia, vagina, and anus.
- Rash Stages: The rash caused by mpox goes through several stages before it heals, including the formation of scabs. Initially, the rash may look like pimples or blisters and can be painful or itchy.
- Other Symptoms: In addition to the rash, people with mpox may experience a range of other symptoms, including:
- Fever
- Chills
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Exhaustion
- Muscle aches and backache
- Headache
- Respiratory symptoms: These can include a sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough.
The incubation period for mpox is typically 3 to 17 days, meaning that a person may not show any symptoms and feel fine during this time. It’s important to note that not everyone will experience all of these symptoms; some may have just a few.
By being aware of these symptoms, you can seek medical advice early if you suspect mpox.
How to Stay From Safe?
According to CDC, staying safe from mpox involves taking careful precautions. Here are some key steps to protect yourself and others:
- Avoid Contact with Contaminated Objects and Materials: Mpox can spread through contact with objects and materials used by an infected person. To reduce the risk, do not share eating utensils, cups, or personal items like bedding, towels, or clothing with someone who has mpox.
- Practice Good Hygiene: Regular handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of mpox. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before eating, touching your face, or after using the bathroom. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. This simple habit can go a long way in protecting you, your family, and your friends from getting sick.
- Clean and Disinfect Your Home: If someone in your household has mpox, it’s crucial to follow proper cleaning and disinfecting protocols. Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that the infected person has touched to reduce the risk of the virus spreading to others in the household.
Global Response
To combat the outbreak, international organizations like the WHO and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) are ramping up efforts to control the spread of the virus. These efforts include increasing research, securing funding, and coordinating global responses. The head of Africa CDC, Jean Kaseya, warns that if immediate steps are not taken, the outbreak could spiral out of control. He stressed the importance of being “proactive and aggressive” in efforts to contain the virus.
Global cooperation is essential in preventing the virus from spreading beyond Africa. The previous outbreak in 2022 serves as a reminder of how quickly mpox can spread if not contained. It reached nearly 100 countries in a short time. If this new outbreak is not controlled, it could have significant implications for global health. Especially in regions with less access to healthcare and vaccines. Dr. Boghuma Titanji from Emory University highlighted the gravity of the crisis. He notes that the WHO’s declaration “underscores the gravity of the crisis.”
Conclusion
The WHO’s declaration of a global public health emergency is a critical response to the growing mpox outbreak in Africa. The emergence of the Clade 1b variant has made the situation even more urgent. It has a higher fatality rate and rapid spread. A coordinated global response is necessary to prevent the virus from spreading further and to save lives. Everyone needs to stay informed about the outbreak and support global efforts to contain the virus.
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