August 14th 2024.
The current focus of attention is on Mpox, a virus that has been spreading in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring countries in Africa. The situation has become so concerning that the World Health Organization has declared it a global health emergency. Scientists are particularly alarmed by a new strain of the virus that is rapidly spreading.
This declaration came after an emergency committee meeting held by WHO's director general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. While most of the cases have been reported in Africa, the update now acknowledges that Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a threat to the health of people in other countries as well.
This development also means that governments around the world can work together to respond to the situation and provide much-needed medical supplies and aid to affected areas. Mpox has been confirmed in children and adults in more than a dozen countries, and a new variant of the virus is now spreading.
The number of deaths from Mpox has surpassed 500, prompting the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention to call for international assistance in controlling its spread. WHO's Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed concern about the potential for the virus to spread beyond Africa.
The virus is transmitted from animals to humans and can also spread among people through close contact, including sexual contact, skin-to-skin contact, and even talking or breathing near an infected person. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and lesions on the body. If left untreated, Mpox can be fatal.
In 2022, a milder outbreak of the virus was reported in Europe, Australia, and the US, mainly through sexual contact. However, the current strain is more deadly and has become endemic in central Africa. It is also responsible for the recent variant discovered in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
There are currently three vaccines available, but they are only given to those at risk or in close contact with an infected person. One issue is that there are not enough vaccine doses available in Africa. The Africa CDC has confirmed cases in 13 countries this year, with the majority in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Compared to last year, cases have increased by 160% and deaths by 19%.
As of now, there have been over 14,000 cases and 524 deaths reported. Stay updated on the latest news about Mpox by following The Agency on Twitter and Facebook. You can also sign up for daily push alerts to receive articles directly on your device.
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