WHO Declares Mpox Outbreaks in Africa A Global Health Emergency; How Serious Is This New Virus? DETAILS Inside

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As a lifestyle expert with extensive travel experiences across various continents, I find it disheartening to learn about the resurgence of Mpox, also known as Monkeypox, in Africa and its potential global impact. Having visited several African countries myself, I’ve witnessed firsthand the resilience and strength of the communities there, but also their struggle with limited resources when faced with health crises.

A novel virus, known as Mpox, has arisen in Africa, causing widespread alarm throughout the continent. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified this outbreak as a global health crisis, as cases have been detected in over a dozen nations. Just recently, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared Mpox a public health emergency due to over 500 reported deaths.

“This is something that should concern us all … The potential for further spread within Africa and beyond is very worrying,” WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement. Mpox, also known as Monkeypox, has taken several victims across 13 countries since it first surfaced. 

In comparison to last year, there has been a significant surge in cases – a staggering 160% increase – in Congo, and deaths have risen by 19%. This virus now poses a threat not only to the neighboring countries within Africa but also to other continents. According to a South African infectious diseases expert who chairs the Africa CDC emergency group, those living “in and around central Africa” are at particularly high risk.

In 2022, the World Health Organization classified a virus as a global health emergency due to its transmission across over 70 countries. Notably, this outbreak disproportionately impacted men identifying as gay or bisexual, but less than 1% of those affected ultimately lost their lives. This news sparked worry and concern on a global scale.

Instead of attributing delays in resource allocation to the global community, a medical professor criticizes the slow response. Meanwhile, an epidemiologist working in Congo voiced worries about the virus spreading among refugee camps’ bases.

In Alonda’s words, “The most severe instance I’ve encountered involves a six-week-old infant who became infected with mpox at the tender age of two weeks old. This unfortunate situation transpired due to limited resources, causing both the baby and its mother to be housed together with someone carrying the virus.”

Prior to the 2022 outbreak, the disease would occasionally spread in Central and West Africa among people who encountered infected wild animals. Despite limited resources in Africa, it was managed through vaccines and treatments. Unfortunately, the virus has reappeared, and efforts are being made to address this new development.

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2024-08-15 17:23