The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a new global health emergency. An outbreak of a deadly strain of monkeypox has emerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and is causing “international concern.” The strain is thought to be more lethal than was experienced during a 2022 outbreak, and the WHO has called for an international vaccination response. Director-General of the WHO, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said, “It’s clear that a coordinated international response is essential to stop these outbreaks and save lives.”
No cases have yet been discovered in the United States, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has asked doctors and medical staff to exercise extra vigilance. In Africa, 17,000 cases have been recorded this year, representing a 160% increase on last year. Evidence suggests that the new strain has also left the DRC and traveled to neighboring countries, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.
Monkeypox—or Mpox—is a virus that causes initial symptoms including a skin rash and lesions. American doctors are encouraged to watch out for these symptoms, which progress to headaches, fever, muscle pain, back pain, and swollen lymph nodes. It transmits through touching or close contact between humans and can be contracted via contact with animals, including meat consumption.
People with symptoms are advised to cover their lesions, stay home and avoid physical contact with others, and deep clean their homes.
In 2022, a similar outbreak occurred, and the WHO also declared a global emergency. On that occasion, 16,000 cases were recorded in 75 countries, including Europe and the United States—where 58 deaths were attributed to the disease. In the UK, a case was confirmed in an individual who had travelled from Nigeria. He was immediately isolated, and there was no evidence of onward transmission.
In response to the latest outbreak, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said the risk to the American public is very low, and the US is ready to “detect, contain, and manage” any cases found. The government also stated that it would work with African nations to contain the disease.
