WHO declares mpox outbreak a continuing global health emergency

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral infection spread through close contact. It typically causes flu-like symptoms and pustular lesions, with severe cases potentially leading to death.

So far this year, Africa has reported over 46,000 suspected cases, primarily in Congo, and more than 1,000 suspected deaths. Nigeria, where mpox is endemic, has reported 94 confirmed cases and no deaths, according to WHO data from last month. The country began vaccinating healthcare workers and immunocompromised individuals in Abuja, receiving its first 10,000 vaccine doses from the US in August.

The WHO’s highest alert aims to coordinate international responses and address challenges like vaccine distribution. After earlier criticism for slow action, the WHO approved Bavarian Nordic’s vaccine in September and recently listed Japan’s KM Biologics’ shot for emergency use.

The mpox virus, first identified in humans in 1970, predominantly affected African regions until 2022, when outbreaks emerged globally. The current concern centers on the spread of clade Ib, which is largely transmitted through sexual contact.

Efforts are underway to sustain a coordinated response to prevent further spread of the virus.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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