WHO Declares Mpox Global Health Emergency as DRC Epicenter, Clade 1B Cases Rise

Aug 27, 2024, 06:56 AM

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox, caused by the monkeypox virus, a global health emergency due to a surge of cases, particularly in Africa. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is the epicenter, with over 18,000 suspected cases and 615 deaths reported this year, 77% of which are children. The outbreak is exacerbated by a lack of vaccines, with the DRC not expecting its first delivery soon. WHO has launched a global strategic preparedness and response plan, requiring $135 million in funding, to address the crisis. The plan includes comprehensive disease surveillance, prevention strategies, and advancing research for vaccines and diagnostic tests. Meanwhile, countries like Thailand and Sweden have reported cases of a new, potentially deadlier mpox variant, Clade 1B, outside Africa. Efforts to control the spread include airport screenings and increased testing capacities. Most cases are due to Mpox Clade Ia, with Clade Ib spreading in sexual networks.