Mpox declared global emergency amid outbreaks in Africa
Aug 14, 2024, 11:56 AM | Updated: 2:46 pm
FILE - The World Health Organization signage is seen outside its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, April 15, 2020. (Martial Trezzini/Keystone via AP, File)
Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS
(Martial Trezzini/Keystone via AP, File)
SALT LAKE CITY — The World Health Organization declared the mpox outbreaks in Africa a global emergency on Wednesday, the Associated Press reported.
So far this year, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported over 500 confirmed deaths related to the mpox outbreaks.
The Africa CDC said most of the cases and deaths this year were in Congo.
On Tuesday, the agency called for international help to prevent further spread of the virus.
“We urge our international partners to seize this moment to act differently and collaborate closely with Africa CDC to provide the necessary support to our Member States,” wrote Africa CDC Director General Dr. Jean Kaseya in a statement.
The declaration from WHO on Wednesday came with concerns that the virus would spread to other countries. Right now, 13 African countries have confirmed cases of mpox.
What is mpox?
According to the World Health Organization, the monkeypox virus causes mpox.
The illness was formerly known by the same name. However, it changed the identifier in 2022 due to its similarity to racist and stigmatized terms.
Mpox can cause painful rashes, flu-like symptoms, and swollen lymph nodes. Mpox transmits through speaking, breathing, and physical contact with infected humans or animals, per the WHO.
