Lethal Outbreak Of New Mpox Strain Erupts In Africa
Image: NIAID
6 August 2024
The World Health Organization (WHO) is considering a significant measure in response to a rapidly escalating mpox outbreak in Africa
Image: NIAID
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General, has suggested that he may convene an expert committee to determine whether the outbreak should be declared an international public health emergency
Image: NIAID
This potential decision follows a concerning rise in cases, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where a more dangerous strain has also been detected in neighboring African countries
Image: National Institute For Communicable Diseases
Since September of last year, the Democratic Republic of Congo has experienced a substantial increase in mpox cases
Image: NIAID
The monkeypox virus, which causes mpox disease, is transmitted through close contact with infected humans or animals, as well as via materials such as contaminated sheets
Mpox has two main genetic clades: Clade I and Clade II
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Mpox causes signs and symptoms which usually begin within a week of exposure but can start 1–21 days later
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It can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, and a fever. Most people fully recover, but some get very sick
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Mpox has long been prevalent in central and west Africa, primarily transmitted to humans from infected rodents, resulting in isolated outbreaks