Mpox: A Global Health Emergency
Symptoms of Mpox
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral infection that can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- A blistering rash that progresses to pustules and eventually scabs over
Current Mpox Outbreak
In May 2022, an outbreak of mpox appeared suddenly and rapidly spread across Europe, the Americas, and then all six WHO regions, with 110 countries reporting cases as of August 23, 2022.
WHO Declares Public Health Emergency
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the mpox outbreak in parts of Africa a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). A PHEIC is the highest level of alarm under international health law. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called for the declaration on July 23, 2022, after a meeting of the WHO's Emergency Committee.
Reasons for PHEIC Declaration
The WHO's decision to declare a PHEIC was based on several factors, including:
- The rapid spread of the virus to multiple countries
- The increasing number of cases, particularly in Africa
- The potential for further international spread
- The lack of effective treatments or vaccines
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