WHO declares Monkey Pox a global health emergency, see details

The World Health Organization has declared a public health emergency due to the spread of mpox, earlier known as monkey pox, in parts of Africa. 

The organization has also described this disease as a matter of international concern. More than 14,000 cases and 524 deaths in Africa this year have already exceeded last year’s figures.

Mpox is an infectious disease, which was also previously known as monkeypox. In the African country Congo, more than 450 people have lost their lives in the initial phase of this disease.

Now this disease is spreading rapidly in Central and East Africa. Scientists have also expressed their concerns over the rapidly spreading new variant of the disease and high mortality rate.

WHO chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has expressed his concern over the possibility of the spread of this disease in Africa and beyond.

He said, "Only through international cooperation can this disease be stopped and lives can be saved."

Mpox can spread through close contact between people, such as physical contact, touching, talking or breathing.

The disease causes cold-like symptoms. Patients may also develop lesions on their skin. About four out of 100 patients suffering from this disease die.

Several outbreaks of different variants of mpox have occurred in different countries, with different modes of transmission and different levels of risk.

The two vaccines currently in use for mpox are recommended by WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization, and are also approved by WHO-listed national regulatory authorities, as well as by individual countries including Nigeria and the DRC.

What is mpox?

Mpox is a viral infection that primarily affects humans and animals.

It belongs to the group of viruses classified as “Orthopoxvirus genus”. These typically cause pox-like disease, which includes a rash with raised bumps or blisters on the skin. The bumps are often filled with fluid or pus and can eventually crust over and heal.

Mpox is similar to the now eradicated smallpox, and and other poxviruses like cowpox and vaccinia.

It was originally named “monkeypox” when first identified in monkeys in 1958. These captive research monkeys were in Denmark at the time. In 1970, the first reported human case was a nine-month-old boy in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In 2022, the WHO recommended updating its name to “mpox” to reduce stigma and association with monkeys, as the disease can also infect rodents and humans.