The World Health Organization (WHO) is closely monitoring the escalating spread of the mpox virus in Africa and is contemplating declaring a global emergency. The Director-General of WHO announced plans to convene an expert group to assess the situation and provide guidance to the organization.
Recent reports from the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that mpox, commonly known as monkeypox, has been detected in 10 African countries this year, with the majority of cases concentrated in Congo. The number of cases has surged by 160% compared to the same period last year, with a 19% increase in deaths.
Alarmingly, nearly 70% of mpox cases in Congo involve children under the age of 15, who also account for 85% of the fatalities. The virus has now spread to countries like Burundi and Rwanda for the first time, raising concerns about its potential to cause widespread outbreaks.
WHO has allocated $1 million from its emergency fund to support response efforts against mpox. Earlier this year, a more virulent strain of the virus was identified in a Congolese mining town, prompting fears of easier transmission among humans. Mpox primarily spreads through close contact with infected individuals, including sexual contact.
In 2022, WHO declared mpox a global emergency when it reached over 70 countries, predominantly affecting gay and bisexual men. While Western countries successfully controlled the spread of the virus through vaccines and treatments, limited access to these resources in Africa poses a significant challenge.
WHO's outbreak department has highlighted several critical issues in Africa's mpox epidemic and emphasized the need for urgent action. The organization is urging swift and decisive measures to contain the spread of the virus and prevent further casualties.
