Killer Mpox Virus Outbreak Sparks Global Panic: WHO Declares Global Health Emergency!
A deadly new mpox strain is wreaking havoc across Africa, forcing WHO to sound the alarm in a global health crisis like no other! đ #News #Health #WorldHealthOrganization #Mpox
ST. PAUL, MN – The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a global public health emergency in response to an escalating mpox outbreak centered in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and spreading to other African nations. This declaration aims to secure more funding for response efforts and to prompt swift governmental action to control the disease.
A new strain of the virus, identified as clade 1b, has been primarily responsible for the recent surge in cases.
This strain, which emerged last year, has spread rapidly through the DRC and has also been detected in neighboring countries including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Ugandaânations that had not previously reported mpox cases.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that clade 1 infections tend to cause more severe illness and higher mortality rates.
Alarming Rise in Mpox Cases and Deaths
The DRC has seen a significant increase in mpox cases this year, with over 15,600 cases and 537 deaths reported, surpassing last yearâs totals.
Across 13 African countries, there have been an estimated 17,000 cases in 2024 alone, a marked increase from the 15,000 cases reported in 2023 and 7,000 cases in 2022. Vulnerable groups, including women and children under 15, are at the highest risk.
Mpox, a disease caused by a virus in the same family as smallpox, spreads through close personal contact with infected individuals or animals, particularly rodents.
The virus can also be transmitted by touching objects that have been contaminated by an infected person. Symptoms typically include a rash, fever, chills, muscle aches, and respiratory issues.
Global Response and Vaccine Shortages
The WHOâs declaration of a public health emergency is a rare move, reserved for situations that pose a serious, sudden, and unexpected threat to global health. The declaration is intended to mobilize international resources and enhance coordination efforts to curb the spread of the disease.
Despite the urgency, vaccine availability in Africa remains critically low. Although donations of vaccines are expected from Japan, the U.S., the European Union, and various manufacturers, the quantity is far below what is needed. The Africa CDC estimates that at least ten million doses are required, but currently, only around 200,000 doses are available. The cost of the vaccine, which is approximately $100 per dose, makes it inaccessible for many African nations.
The WHO has allocated $1.45 million from its emergency fund to support the response to the outbreak. However, the agency has indicated that an estimated $15 million is needed to adequately fund surveillance, preparedness, and response activities.
The Need for International Collaboration
The Africa CDC has also declared mpox a public health emergency and is urging international partners to collaborate closely in addressing the crisis. There is a call for a decisive and coordinated global effort to prevent the outbreak from worsening, particularly in light of past mistakes in handling similar health emergencies.
During the 2022 global mpox outbreak, a different and typically less severe strain, clade 2, was responsible for infections primarily among men who have sex with men.
In contrast, the current outbreak, driven by clade 1b, has a higher death rate of around 3%, with over 70% of cases in the DRC occurring in children under 18.
The WHOâs emergency declaration underscores the severity of the situation and the critical need for a robust international response to prevent further loss of life and to control the spread of this deadly virus.
Disclaimer: Information for entertainment purposes only. This content is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for accurate medical information and guidance.
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