An outbreak of Mpoxen, formerly known as monkeypox, has sparked alarm across several African countries, with a significant surge in infections in recent months. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a health emergency of international concern this week, as the tally of infections has surpassed 15,000, resulting in 461 deaths in 2024.
The International Health Organization reported a troubling 160% increase in infections and a 19% rise in fatalities compared to the same period last year, underscoring the urgency for a coordinated global response to contain the outbreaks and mitigate the crisis.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that an international health emergency represents the highest level of alert under international health law. He stressed the imperative of fostering global collaborations to combat the escalating threat posed by Mpoxen.
While the majority of cases are concentrated in the Democratic Republic of Congo, infections have also been detected in neighboring countries like Uganda, Burundi, Kenya, and Rwanda, raising concerns about the potential spread of the more virulent Clade 1b variant of Mpoxen beyond the African region.
In the United States, vigilance has been heightened following the detection of this variant, with over 32,000 confirmed cases and 58 reported deaths. Health experts like Dr. Eneida Roldán of the Florida International University (FIU) Health Network reassure the public that current infection rates do not warrant pandemic status.
Transmission of Mpoxen occurs through direct contact with infected animals or via human-to-human contact, primarily through bodily fluids or intimate interactions, prompting authorities to intensify preventive measures.
Vaccination remains the most effective defense against Mpoxen, with the Jynneos vaccine approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the primary preventive measure. Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination, citing historical successes in eradicating smallpox through widespread vaccination campaigns.
Symptoms of Mpoxen mirror those of smallpox but are generally milder, encompassing fever, headache, muscle pain, chills, and fatigue. Distinguishing features include lymph node swelling and a distinctive rash that evolves over stages, eventually forming scabs.
Despite ongoing research into potential antiviral treatments, there is currently no specific treatment for Mpoxen virus infection, underscoring the need for continued scientific efforts to combat the outbreak effectively.
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