The World Health Organization (WHO) has reaffirmed its highest alert level for mpox due to a surge in cases and its continued geographic spread. The decision, announced after a committee meeting in Geneva, underscores the global urgency to combat the disease effectively.
Rising Cases and Geographical Spread
The WHO cited the escalating number of mpox cases and its spread across regions as the primary reasons for maintaining its global health emergency status. This year, cases have surged in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and nearby countries, creating significant operational challenges.
While initial vaccine rollouts have shown promise, WHO officials stress the need for further evidence to evaluate the vaccine’s long-term efficacy.
Disease Severity and Transmission
Mpox, though typically mild, can result in severe illness or fatalities in rare cases. The disease spreads through:
- Close contact with an infected person
- Sexual activity
- Inhalation of infectious particles
Once contracted, the virus replicates in the body, causing swollen lymph nodes, rashes, and lesions. The disease has claimed hundreds of lives in the DRC and other African nations, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria, and Uganda.
Call for Global Coordination
The WHO emphasized the importance of a cohesive international response to mpox. This includes bolstering vaccination efforts, ensuring adequate resources, and fostering collaboration between countries and health organizations.
At the end of October, the African Union’s health watchdog highlighted the outbreak’s severity, warning it could escalate into a pandemic more devastating than COVID-19 if not addressed urgently.
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Vaccine Rollout and Challenges
In October, the first batch of mpox vaccines was introduced in affected areas. While early data suggests a positive impact, the WHO remains cautious, awaiting conclusive proof of their effectiveness. The global health body stresses the importance of sustained vaccination efforts alongside preventive measures to curb the disease’s spread.
Mpox: A Continental Crisis
The outbreak has evolved into a continent-wide emergency in Africa, with cases extending beyond traditional hotspots. The WHO and other health organizations continue to monitor the situation closely, urging countries to strengthen surveillance and reporting systems.
Final Thoughts
The WHO’s decision to maintain mpox as a public health emergency of international concern highlights the disease’s growing threat. Coordinated global efforts, including vaccination and resource mobilization, remain essential to preventing a larger crisis. With cases rising and new regions affected, the fight against mpox requires vigilance, collaboration, and sustained action.
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