WHO Declares Global Health Emergency

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a global health emergency due to a resurgence of mpox, a viral disease that has rapidly spread across more than a dozen African nations. This marks the second time in three years that the WHO has issued such a declaration, emphasizing the urgent need for action against the outbreak. The most severe impact is being felt in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has reported over 15,600 cases and 537 fatalities, surpassing the death toll from the previous outbreak in 2022. Mpox, a disease related to smallpox but less contagious, is primarily transmitted through close contact with infected individuals or animals, as well as through the consumption of contaminated meat. Additionally, sexual contact poses a risk for transmission, and there is a potential for the virus to be passed from mother to fetus. The recent outbreak has now been confirmed in 13 countries, with new cases emerging in East African nations such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. The WHO's declaration underscores the critical need for enhanced surveillance, public health measures, and community engagement to control the spread of mpox. Health officials are urging countries to prepare for potential outbreaks and to implement strategies to mitigate the virus's impact on public health. As the situation evolves, the WHO continues to monitor the outbreak closely, providing guidance and support to affected regions in an effort to curb the spread of this dangerous virus.