WHO Sounds Alarm Over Mpox Surge In Africa, Declares It Global Public Health Emergency

New Delhi: The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday sounded its highest possible alarm over the worsening situation due to Mpox surge in Africa declaring it as a global public health emergency. With the fresh declaration, Mpox has been declared a global public health emergency for the second time in two years. Earlier, an outbreak of the viral infection in the Democratic Republic of Congo that spread to neighbouring countries, was announced as the global public health emergency. Notably, Mpox, which can spread through close contact with the infected person, causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions on the body, which sometimes also turns fatal.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, while addressing a press conference, stated, "Today, the emergency committee met and advised me that in its view, the situation constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. I have accepted that advice."

Determining a disease outbreak as a "global public health emergency of international concern" or PHEIC — the WHO's highest level of alert — can accelerate research, funding and international public health measures and cooperation to contain a disease.

The outbreak in Congo began with the spread of an endemic strain, known as clade I. But a new variant, clade Ib, appears to spread more easily through routine close contact, including sexual contact. It has spread from Congo to neighbouring countries, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, triggering action from the WHO.

"It's clear that a coordinated international response is essential to stop these outbreaks and save lives," said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Earlier this week, Africa's top public health body declared a Mpox emergency for the continent after warning that the viral infection was spreading at an alarming rate.

More than 17,000 suspected Mpox cases and 517 deaths have been reported on the African continent so far this year, a 160% increase in cases compared to the same period last year, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said. A total of 13 countries have reported cases.