Latest Updates on Monkeypox Outbreak: WHO Declares Public Health Emergency

A new outbreak of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has sparked a public health emergency declared by the World Health Organisation. The infection has been spreading in some African nations, with cases now reported outside of the continent.

The outbreak is of international concern, with more than 17,000 confirmed cases across Africa. A new strain, named clade 1b, has been identified and is said to be spreading mainly through sexual networks. This strain has been reported in countries like Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, where cases of mpox have never been reported before.

The WHO has launched a global strategic preparedness and response plan to prevent the spread of the new strain. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director general of WHO, stated that the outbreaks can be controlled with a comprehensive and coordinated plan of action.

Cases of mpox have been confirmed in over 120 countries, with over 200 deaths reported. The most concerning strain, clade 1b, has been detected in Sweden, India, and Thailand. The US government has provided additional funding to support preparedness and response efforts in Central and Eastern Africa.

The risk assessment for the entire world has been set to ‘moderate’, with cases of clade 1 largely located in the DRC and neighbouring countries. The WHO is working with nations worldwide to coordinate vaccine access and containment measures to stop the outbreaks and save lives.