The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox, previously known as monkeypox, a public health emergency of international concern. This declaration comes in response to a significant rise in cases, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and the potential for further global spread.
According to The Conversation, WHO's emergency declaration aims to mobilize essential resources to control the outbreak at its source. However, managing the crisis will necessitate global cooperation and clear communication. "Ultimately, a serious epidemic anywhere in the world is a concern for all of us, as it can spread globally through travel, as we saw with the COVID pandemic," the report noted.
Mpox, a viral infection related to smallpox, has two primary strains: Clade I from central Africa and Clade II from west Africa, both with notable fatality rates. The DRC is currently facing significant outbreaks of the more lethal Clade I, which has mutated to become more transmissible. The situation is especially dire in the DRC, where the majority of cases and deaths are occurring among children, and the country’s testing capacity remains limited. The virus has also spread to neighboring countries, including Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, and Uganda—nations that have not previously reported mpox cases.
Also Read: Mpox outbreak in Congo: What led WHO to declare a public health emergency
The publication emphasized that controlling the epidemic at its source is the most effective strategy, underscoring the need for international collaboration.
"Controlling the epidemic at its source is the best measure," the publication reported.
Also Read: Mpox outbreaks chronology: From initial cases to WHO’s latest health emergency
The report emphasized the importance of innovative solutions like open-source epidemic intelligence, such as AI monitoring trends in rash and fever illnesses, to serve as early warning systems in countries with weaker health infrastructures. "Surveillance for spread of this more serious version of mpox is also essential, bearing in mind that many countries do not have the capacity for widespread testing. So we’ll have to rely on “suspected cases”, based on a clinical definition, to keep track of the epidemic. Open-source epidemic intelligence – such as using AI to monitor trends in rash and fever illness – can also be used as an early warning system in countries with weak health systems or delayed reporting of cases," the report stated.
The publication pointed out that effective communication, along with combating misinformation and resistance to public health measures, will be key to managing the situation, drawing parallels to the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ultimately, the report also stressed individual countries must adhere to International Health Regulations and protocols to effectively manage this global emergency.
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