WHO declares emergency over monkeypox

Arab Weather - The World Health Organization announced today, Wednesday, that the monkeypox virus (Mpox) constitutes a public health emergency at the international level. This is the second time this classification has been announced in two years. This decision came after the virus spread from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to neighboring countries.

Classifying a disease outbreak as a “public health emergency of international concern” is the highest level of alert at WHO and aims to accelerate research efforts, funding, international health measures and joint cooperation to contain the spread of the disease.

What is monkeypox?

Answer: Monkeypox, also known as monkeypox, is a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It is similar to smallpox, which is caused by the variola virus, but is less severe and not considered as fatal. Recently, the world has seen an increase in cases of monkeypox, which has raised concerns among many people about its potential to become a global pandemic, as happened with the novel coronavirus.

The outbreak began in Congo with a strain known as A. But a new variant known as IB has emerged, which appears to spread more easily through close contact, including sexual contact. The variant has spread from Congo to neighboring countries including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, prompting the World Health Organization to take action.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed the need for a coordinated international response to stop outbreaks and save lives, adding that last year saw a significant increase in the number of infections, with more than 14,000 new cases reported this year and 524 deaths linked to the disease.

• Declaration of a state of emergency in Africa

Earlier this week, Africa's top public health agency declared a state of emergency over the continent's monkeypox outbreak, warning that the virus was spreading at an alarming rate. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has reported more than 17,000 suspected cases and 517 deaths on the continent this year, a 160% increase compared to the same period last year.

• Monkeypox virus transmission methods and symptoms

Monkeypox is transmitted mainly through sexual contact, direct skin contact, as well as through sharing bedding, towels, and clothing . Symptoms of monkeypox virus include:

1. rash
2. general malaise
3. fever
4. Swollen lymph nodes
5. In addition to chills
6. headache
7. And muscle pain

• Monkeypox outbreak in 2022

In 2022, another variant of monkeypox spread globally, largely linked to sexual contact. This led the World Health Organization to declare a public health emergency, which lasted for 10 months.

See also:

Monkeypox raises global concerns and anticipation of declaring a state of emergency

WHO warns of monkeypox

Sources:

WHO

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