WHO official reports and public health updates

WHO Declares Mpox Outbreak in Africa a Global Health Emergency as Cases Exceed 15,600 with 537 Deaths

Aug 18, 2024, 02:29 PM

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the mpox outbreak in Africa a public health emergency of international concern as of August 2024. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is experiencing a severe outbreak, with over 15,600 reported cases and 537 deaths. The outbreak has spread to 14 African countries, with a total of 18,737 suspected or confirmed cases reported since the beginning of the year. The new mpox variant, clade 1b, has a lower fatality rate of 0.6% compared to clade 1a's 3.5%. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for international support to combat the outbreak. In response, countries like Pakistan have implemented screening measures at airports. In India, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda held a meeting to review the country's preparedness for the mpox outbreak. The WHO's declaration aims to prompt a coordinated global response to prevent further spread.