- WHO declares mpox global health emergency
- Over 450 people have died in the Democratic Republic of Congo
- Scientists are alarmed by a new, highly fatal variant of the virus
- WHO says urgent need for a coordinated global response to prevent further spread
WHO declares mpox global health emergency
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the ongoing mpox outbreak in parts of Africa a public health emergency of international concern. Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, has claimed over 450 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo and is spreading rapidly across central and eastern Africa.
Scientists are alarmed by a new, highly fatal variant of the virus, Clade 1b, which emerged in September last year. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed the urgent need for a coordinated global response to prevent further spread.
The disease, which spreads through close contact, causes flu-like symptoms and skin lesions, with a fatality rate of about 10% in severe cases. Vaccines are available but are typically reserved for those at high risk or exposed.
Since the beginning of the year, more than 13,700 cases have been reported in the DR Congo, with the virus now present in countries like Burundi, Kenya, and Rwanda. The WHO’s emergency declaration aims to accelerate research, funding, and international efforts to combat the outbreak.