Excited crowds line streets in baking heat to see pontiff
The World Health Organization on Wednesday declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years, following an outbreak of the viral infection in the Democratic Republic of Congo that has spread to neighbouring countries.
Mpox can spread through close contact. Usually mild, it is fatal in rare cases. It causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions on the body.
Determining a disease outbreak as a "public health emergency of international concern" or PHEIC — the WHO's highest level of alert — can accelerate research, funding and international public health measures and co-operation to contain a disease.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
The outbreak in Congo began with the spread of an endemic strain, known as clade I. But a new variant, clade Ib, appears to spread more easily through routine close contact, including sexual contact. It has spread from Congo to neighbouring countries, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, triggering the action from the WHO.
"It's clear that a coordinated international response is essential to stop these outbreaks and save lives," said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Earlier this week, Africa's top public health body declared an mpox emergency for the continent after warning that the viral infection was spreading at an alarming rate.
More than 17,000 suspected mpox cases and 517 deaths have been reported on the African continent so far this year, a 160 per cent increase in cases compared to the same period last year, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said. A total of 13 countries have reported cases.
A different form of the mpox virus — clade IIb — spread globally in 2022, largely through sexual contact among men who have sex with men. This prompted the WHO to declare a public health emergency then, which it ended 10 months later.
ALSO READ:
Excited crowds line streets in baking heat to see pontiff
Crew to conduct scientific experiments on cosmic radiation and space vacuum effects
Israel offensive in Gaza leaves health sector in tatters
Israel says it hit Hamas command centre; Hamas denies its fighters were present
PM Anthony Albanese said his government would run an age verification trial before introducing laws this year
Weinstein is serving a 16-year sentence after being convicted on rape charges by a California court
The company is in talks with other airlines to accommodate its stranded passengers in the event of flight cancellations
The two men were tried in absentia as Pakistan did not force them to appear at the high-security trial as requested by the Netherland