MPOX – The new COVID
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox a global health emergency again because a new strain of the virus is spreading rapidly in parts of Africa, particularly in Congo. This new strain is spreading through close contact, including sexual contact and among children in displacement camps. While mpox is usually mild, it can be deadly, especially for children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. The WHO is calling for more resources and tools to help stop the spread of mpox in Africa.
Important points:
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox a global health emergency for the second time in two years.
- This declaration comes after a surge in cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has experienced its worst outbreak ever, with over 27,000 cases and 1,100 deaths since January 2023.
- A new, rapidly spreading strain of mpox has emerged in DRC, raising concerns as it spreads beyond the country to Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, and Kenya.
- The emergency declaration aims to raise international awareness and secure funding to combat the outbreak, particularly in DRC, where access to vaccines and medical tools has been limited.
- While mpox is a serious health issue, it does not spread through the air like COVID-19.
- The current challenge is to ensure that existing tools to prevent and treat mpox reach those most in need, especially in DRC and neighboring countries.
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