The World Health Organization (WHO) has escalated its response to the global mpox outbreak, declaring a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) – the highest level of alert – due to the rapid spread of the virus, particularly in Africa. As of August 19, 2024, the African Health Agency reported a total of 18,737 suspected or confirmed cases of mpox in Africa since the beginning of the year, including 3,101 confirmed cases, 15,636 suspected cases, and 541 deaths across 12 countries.The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains the epicenter of the outbreak, with health authorities particularly concerned about a new, more contagious and deadly variant known as ‘Clade 1b’ or ‘Congo 1’, first discovered in September 2023. This variant has raised global alarm due to its apparent ability to spread more easily through routine close contact.In a worrying development, cases have now been reported in several countries outside Africa. Sweden and Pakistan have confirmed cases, and most recently, the Philippines reported its first mpox case of 2024 on August 19. The patient is a 33-year-old Filipino male with no recent travel history outside the country, raising concerns about local transmission. In response to the global situation, Indonesia has tightened testing for mpox in people arriving from abroad.WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, ‘We are facing a global health emergency. The risk of international spread is high, and we must act quickly to prevent further outbreaks’. The WHO has initiated an emergency listing process for mpox vaccines to accelerate access in low-income countries.Health experts stress that while mpox is contagious, it primarily spreads through close contact. Symptoms typically include fever, followed by a distinctive rash, and can be more severe in children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. As the situation evolves, international cooperation and resource mobilization will be crucial in containing this outbreak and preventing its further spread beyond African borders.
Key points
- WHO has declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to rapid spread, particularly in Africa.
- A new, more contagious and deadly mpox variant ‘Clade 1b’ is causing concern, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Cases have been reported outside Africa, including in Sweden, Pakistan, and most recently, the Philippines.
- The WHO emphasizes the high risk of international spread and the need for quick action to prevent further outbreaks.
Contradictions👾While most sources report the Philippines case as the first since December 2023, one source claims it’s the tenth laboratory-confirmed case detected by the Department of Health.
This discrepancy may be due to different reporting periods or criteria.
