What is mpox

2024 - 8 - 14

Mpox Madness: A New Global Health Emergency!

Africa CDC - CDC - Democratic Republic of Congo - Global Health Emergency - Mpox - Pandemic - Smallpox - Virus - WHO - mpox

WHO says mpox is now a global emergency! Discover what it is and why you should care. 🤔🌍🦠

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, a global public health emergency. This second declaration follows a significant outbreak of the viral infection in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has since spread to neighboring countries. Experts are particularly concerned about the rapid increase in cases, which signifies a growing health threat not only in Africa but potentially worldwide.

Mpox is caused by a virus in the same family as smallpox, a disease that was declared eradicated in 1980. The recent surge in cases has health officials scrambling for solutions. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has also declared the mpox clade I outbreak a Public Health Emergency, emphasizing the significant strain it's put on local healthcare systems. With cases appearing in a dozen other African countries, the situation is being closely monitored by global health entities.

The outbreak has not only led to a heightened state of alert in African nations but has also triggered international concern. The WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has warned that the virus could spread beyond the continent if urgent measures are not taken. This includes fast-spreading variants that have made controlling the outbreak more challenging. In light of the emergency, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) has issued an updated 'playbook' to help infection prevention specialists prepare for potential outbreaks in other parts of the world.

In the United States, the government has responded swiftly to the news. Health agencies are on high alert, preparing for potential cases by updating protocols and stockpiling vaccines. Public awareness campaigns about mpox symptoms—such as fever, muscle aches, and a distinctive rash—are also being rolled out. The goal is to prevent panic while ensuring the public is informed and ready to act.

Interestingly, mpox was initially discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research—hence the name monkeypox. The first human case of mpox was recorded in 1970 in the DRC, which remains one of the most affected regions. Traveling down memory lane, smallpox vaccination may offer some protection against mpox, and researchers are exploring this possibility.

On a quirky note, the DRC has more pressing worries than just mpox. The country is also home to the largest population of okapis, a giraffe-like animal that looks like it's been designed by a committee of indecisive zoologists. Though they’re unrelated, wouldn’t it be something if the okapis somehow held a clue to solving the mpox outbreak? You never know, nature can be full of surprises.

Post cover — Image courtesy of "NBC News"

What is mpox

Mpox Madness: A New Global Health Emergency!

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