The World Health Organization (WHO) has once again declared monkeypox (mpox) a global public health emergency, marking the second such declaration since 2022. This decision follows a significant outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has rapidly spread to neighboring countries. The WHO’s highest alert level is now in place, aiming to mobilize more funding and research to contain the disease.
The outbreak began with the spread of an endemic strain, known as clade I, in Congo. However, a new variant, clade Ib, has emerged, spreading more easily through close contact, including sexual transmission. This variant has reached neighboring nations like Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, prompting the WHO’s action.
After consulting with an emergency committee, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the need for a coordinated international response to stop the outbreaks and save lives. While mpox typically causes mild symptoms, including flu-like signs and pus-filled lesions, it can be fatal in rare cases.
Tedros expressed concern over the detection and rapid spread of the new clade, warning of the potential for further transmission within Africa and beyond.
