WHO declares a Public Health Emergency over Mpox outbreak in DRC and surrounding nations

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared the ongoing mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and neighboring African nations as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This declaration, the highest level of global health alert, underscores the severity of the outbreak, particularly due to the alarming symptoms associated with the virus.

Mpox, a viral disease, typically begins with fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. However, the most concerning symptoms are the rashes and lesions that appear on the skin, usually starting on the face and hands before spreading to other parts of the body. These lesions go through various stages, from flat areas to raised bumps filled with fluid, eventually crusting over. An infected individual remains contagious until the lesions have completely healed.

The virus is primarily transmitted through large respiratory droplets, direct contact with body fluids or skin lesions, and contaminated items like bedding or clothing. The current outbreak has been particularly devastating, with over 22,000 probable cases and more than 1,200 deaths reported in the DRC since January 2023. The spread of the more severe Clade I mpox virus, which has a higher mortality rate, has extended beyond the DRC to neighboring countries like Burundi, the Central African Republic, Rwanda, and Uganda.

WHO's declaration of the mpox outbreak as a PHEIC is a call to action for a coordinated global response. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO's Director of Epidemic & Pandemic Preparedness & Prevention, emphasized the importance of understanding the virus's transmission patterns and identifying at-risk populations. She urged nations with surplus vaccines to contribute to efforts in affected regions, stressing that strategic use of the limited vaccine supply is crucial to controlling the epidemic. "Understanding the dynamics of transmission and identifying populations at risk are crucial steps," Van Kerkhove said. "We need to apply vaccinations in the most efficient manner and call on countries with vaccine reserves to assist in this global effort.