WHO Declares mpox a global Public Health Emergency

A new strain of the mpox virus in Africa prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), the highest degree of alert, on Wednesday.
The viral infection that started in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and spread to neighboring countries has caused a public health emergency of international concern, according to a statement made by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during a news conference.

There are cases of mpox in thirteen African countries, and the virus is spreading in a new form. The organization has released a sickness alert twice in the last two years.

In order to prevent transmission, treat those who are infected, and save lives, Tedros continued, “WHO is committed in the days and weeks ahead to coordinate the global response, working closely with each of the affected countries, and leveraging our on-the-ground presence.”

Tedros made his announcement at the recommendation of an independent expert-led IHR Emergency Committee that convened earlier in the day to examine data submitted by WHO and concerned country experts. The Committee notified the Director-General that it believed the mpox outbreak to be a PHEIC, having the potential to spread to other African nations as well as possibly beyond.

For almost a decade, the Democratic Republic of Congo has been the source of reports of mpox, with an annual increase in cases observed throughout that time. The number of cases reported rose dramatically the previous year, and as of now, this year’s total—more than 15,600 cases and 537 deaths—has surpassed that of the previous year.

“There is an emergency affecting not just Africa but the entire world due to the present outbreak of monkeypox in certain regions of the continent and the development of a new strain of the virus that may be contracted through sexual contact. Originating in Africa, mpox was ignored there until 2022, when it spread over the world. It’s time to take serious action to stop history from happening again.

Everything you should know about MPOX

Monkeypox, often known as mpox, is a zoonotic virus. It is transferable from animals to people.

The causing virus is a member of the orthopoxvirus genus, which also contains smallpox. The virus has a brick-like form and is mainly transmitted by direct contact with bodily fluids, scabs, or contagious rashes. While it is a devastating sickness, it is usually not as severe as smallpox.

Dr. Neha Rastogi Panda, Senior Consultant, Infections Diseases, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, stated in an interview with IndiaToday.in that while mpox has a great potential to spread like wildfire, people believe it’s less likely than Covid-19. 

“Unlike Covid-19, which is so easily transmitted from person to person through the air, mpox is mainly transmitted via direct contact with infectious rash or body fluids,” stated Dr. Panda.

This transmission vector typically necessitates closer touch, which facilitates control. Additionally, existing smallpox vaccinations do offer some protection against mpox, making them an important preventative measure.Furthermore, it is not as contagious as smallpox, although 

Dr. Panda noted that significant health risks have been considered.

Furthermore, it is not as contagious as smallpox, although Dr. Panda noted that significant health risks have been considered.

MPOX: HOW DANGEROUS IS IT?

While the majority of patients recover in a few weeks, some—such as individuals with compromised immune systems, small children, and expectant mothers—are more susceptible to a more serious condition with accompanying complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, skin infections, and eye issues.

Even if the case fatality rate for mpox is lower than that of smallpox, Dr. Panda contends that medical attention and preventive measures should still be provided as soon as symptoms appear.

She continued by saying that most people do not view mpox as deadly.

Is a vaccine available?

Tecovirimat is an antiviral that was once created to treat smallpox, and the European Medicines Agency has licensed it for the treatment of mpox in certain situations.

Three smallpox vaccines—MVA-BN, LC16, and OrthopoxVac—are authorized for use in mpox prevention.

In order to speed up the distribution of mpox vaccinations through partners like Gavi and UNICEF, WHO has expedited the Emergency Use Listing (EUL) process for these vaccines.