By The Nexus Gazette.
August 16, 2024
In a grave development, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a global public health emergency as the world grapples with an escalating monkeypox outbreak. The declaration follows the rapid spread of a newly identified virus strain, clade 1b, which has triggered widespread concern and affected over 70 countries across the globe.
Last year, the emergence of clade 1b marked a troubling turn in the ongoing battle against monkeypox. This strain, which first surfaced in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has spread quickly within the region and into neighboring countries. Clade 1b is particularly alarming due to its increased severity; infections caused by this strain result in more severe illness and a higher death rate compared to previous strains of the monkeypox virus.
The DRC remains the epicenter of the outbreak, with a staggering 15,600 confirmed cases and 537 deaths reported in 2024 alone. The situation has deteriorated further as the virus spreads beyond the DRC’s borders, with Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda reporting their first-ever monkeypox cases. The rapid geographical spread underscores the urgency of the WHO’s declaration and the need for a coordinated international response.
Monkeypox, a viral disease related to smallpox, primarily spreads through close personal contact with an infected individual or through direct interaction with infected wild animals. The symptoms of monkeypox are severe and include fever, chills, exhaustion, muscle aches, respiratory issues, and a characteristic rash that appears on various parts of the body.
Certain groups are at heightened risk during this outbreak, particularly women and children under 15. The increased vulnerability of these populations calls for targeted interventions to prevent further infections and fatalities.
This is not the first time the WHO has declared monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). In 2022, a similar declaration was made during an outbreak that was eventually brought under control through behavior changes, widespread vaccination campaigns, and a concerted global effort. The emergency status was lifted in 2023 after a significant decline in cases. However, the resurgence of the virus with the more dangerous clade 1b strain has reignited fears and necessitated this new emergency declaration.
The current monkeypox outbreak represents a significant global health challenge. The WHO’s emergency declaration highlights the critical need for international cooperation and swift, coordinated action to contain the virus’s spread. Governments, health organizations, and communities must work together to mitigate the impact of this outbreak, protect vulnerable populations, and ultimately save lives.
Resources:
2.https://www.bmj.com/content/378/bmj.o1874