Mpox Outbreak Solution: Tips for Healthy Living in Africa

Global Health Emergency Declared for Mpox Outbreak in Africa

The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has declared the increasing spread of mpox in Africa as a global health emergency , with the virus potentially crossing international borders . The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also declared mpox a public health emergency on the continent , with more than 14,000 cases and 524 deaths reported in Africa this year , surpassing last year 's figures . The majority of cases and deaths are in Congo , where a new , potentially more easily transmissible version of the disease has raised concerns among scientists.

The outbreak of mpox , also known as monkeypox , has sparked alarm due to the rapid increase in cases in Africa . The virus , first identified in 1958 , belongs to the same family as smallpox but causes milder symptoms like fever , chills , and body aches . However , a new form of mpox has emerged in a Congolese mining town , leading to more severe cases and a higher mortality rate . The disease has now spread to 13 African countries , with cases up 160 % and deaths up 19 % compared to last year.

WHO 's emergency declaration aims to mobilize resources and action to combat the outbreak . Previous global responses to such declarations have been mixed , but the escalating caseload in Africa has prompted calls for urgent intervention . Africa CDC Director General Dr. Jean Kaseya emphasized the need for international cooperation to address the crisis , as current control strategies are insufficient . The outbreak in Africa differs from the 2022 epidemic , with children under 15 accounting for the majority of cases and deaths in Congo.

In response to the outbreak , experts suggest immunization , including vaccines against smallpox , to help contain the spread of mpox . Vaccines and treatments have been crucial in halting previous outbreaks , but their availability in Africa is limited . Efforts are underway to secure vaccine donations for at - risk populations , including sex workers , children , and adults in outbreak regions . Congo is in talks with donors for vaccine donations , and WHO has released .45 million from its emergency fund to support the response to mpox in Africa , but additional funding is needed to address the crisis effectively.