WHO Director Ponders Declaring Public Health Emergency Over Mpox Virus Outbreak
The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has announced that the United Nations health organization is contemplating declaring an emergency due to the outbreak of mpox, also known as monkeypox, in Africa.
Need for More Funding and Support
Tedros highlighted the need for more financial aid and support to ensure a comprehensive response to this health crisis. He stated on the social media platform X that he is considering convening an International Health Regulations emergency committee to advise him on whether the outbreak of mpox should be declared a public health emergency of international concern.
Uncertainty Over WHO's Declaration
As of Tuesday, it was still uncertain when the WHO would declare the emergency or issue any warnings about the virus. Tedros, in a statement published by the journal Science, emphasized that this virus can and must be contained with intensified public health measures including surveillance, community engagement, treatment, and targeted deployment of vaccines for those at higher risk of infection.
Scaling Up the Response
Tedros called for an urgent scaling up of the mpox response in affected countries, in light of the expanding outbreak. He stressed the need for more funding for a comprehensive response that includes diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines.
Previous Declarations
The designation of a public health emergency of international concern is the strongest classification for an outbreak. It's worth noting that such a declaration was made for COVID-19 during the early stages of the pandemic in 2020.
Impact of Mpox Outbreak
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported last week that mpox has been detected in 10 African countries this year, including Congo, which accounts for over 96 percent of all cases and deaths.
Children Most Affected
Officials reported that nearly 70 percent of cases in Congo are affecting children under 15, who also accounted for 85 percent of deaths.
Increasing Cases
The Africa CDC noted that there have been an estimated 14,250 cases so far this year, nearly as many as all of last year. Compared to the first seven months of 2023, cases have increased by 160 percent and deaths by 19 percent, totaling 456.
New Outbreaks
New outbreaks of the virus have recently been reported in the Central African Republic and Kenya. Burundi and Rwanda both reported the virus for the first time this week.
Global Concern
Health officials in South Africa announced over the weekend that the country now has 22 cases of mpox, including three deaths.
Signs and Symptoms of Mpox
According to the U.S. CDC, signs and symptoms of mpox include a rash that might be located on the feet, hands, face, chest, and mouth, or near the genitals. Other symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, chills, aches, exhaustion, and respiratory symptoms such as a cough, nasal congestion, or sore throat.
Bottom Line
The potential declaration of a public health emergency over the mpox virus outbreak is a significant development. The situation calls for a comprehensive and global response to contain the spread of the virus. It also underlines the importance of constant vigilance and preparedness in the face of emerging health threats. What are your thoughts on this situation? Feel free to share this article with your friends and let them know about this development. Remember, you can sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.