WHO Declares Mpox Global Health Emergency For Second Time In Two Years

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions on the body and spreads through close contact.

The WHO has declared Mpox a global health emergency after its outbreak in parts of Africa.

Source : PTI

The World Health Organisation has declared mpox a global health emergency for the second time in two years. The announcement came after an outbreak of the viral infection in parts of Africa, originating from the Democratic Republic of Congo and spreading to neighbouring countries. 

On Wednesday, an emergency committee held a meeting to advise WHP Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on whether the disease outbreak constitutes a "public health emergency of international concern," or PHEIC reported Reuters. 

A PHEIC status by WHO is the highest level of alert with an aim to accelerate research, funding, and international public health measures and cooperation to contain the disease. 

"It's clear that a coordinated international response is essential to stop these outbreaks and save lives," said the WHO chief.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions on the body and spreads through close contact. Usually mild, it is fatal in rare cases. Spread of an endemic strain, known as clade I triggered the outbreak of mpox in Congo. However, a new variant, clade Ib appears to spread more easily through routine close contact, including sexual contact. 

The extent of the outbreak has reached countries like Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. 

"The detection and rapid spread of a new clade of mpox in eastern DRC, its detection in neighbouring countries that had not previously reported mpox, and the potential for further spread within Africa and beyond are very worrying," Tedros remarked.

Mpox: Symptoms 

Early symptoms of mpox include fever, headaches, swellings, back pain, and aching muscles. After the fever breaks, a rash can develop, often starting from the face and spreading to other parts of the body, commonly the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. 

The rash can be extremely itchy or painful and goes through different stages before finally forming a scab, which later falls off. The lesion can leave a scar. 

Usually, the infection clears up on its own and lasts between 14 and 21 days. 

Mpox: Who Are At Risk And Prevention 

Sexually active men who have sex with men are found to have more cases of mpox. People with several partners or new sexual partners are also at risk. 

But anyone can contract the virus who comes in close contact with a symptomatic person including health workers and family members.

Avoiding close contact with someone infected with mpox is the first step of prevention. One must clean their hands with soap and water in the virus in the community. 

People infected with the virus should isolate themselves from others until all the lesions disappear. According to WHO, a person should use condoms as a precaution when having sex for 12 weeks after recovery. 

Mpox: Treatment 

Vaccines are the best method of controlling the prevention of infections during an outbreak. While vaccines are there, it is usually administered to only those at risk or who have been in close contact with an infected person. 

The WHO has recently asked drug manufacturers to roll out their mpox vaccines for emergency use, even if those vaccines still await formal approval in the countries where they are needed.