Mpox

Mpox: The New Kid on the Block – Are We Ready for This Health Emergency?

The WHO has declared mpox a global health emergency amidst an alarming outbreak in Africa. What does this mean for all of us?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently declared mpox a global health emergency as Africa faces a rapidly spreading outbreak of this disease. Known previously as monkeypox, mpox has been particularly lethal in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, reminiscent of the early days of the HIV crisis. Experts are urging for an accelerated response to this outbreak, pointing out the need for quick access to vaccines and testing. This call to action highlights the potential for mpox to affect not just African nations but the entire globe.

With over 15,000 reported cases and 461 deaths this year alone, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has classified the situation as a public health emergency. The alarming rise in cases raises concerns about different clades of the virus making their rounds, and the WHO's alarms are ringing loudly on the need for international vigilance. As countries around the world monitor the situation closely, the focus is on understanding how mpox spreads and assessing the risk it poses to other regions.

As frightening as it sounds, the silver lining here is how we can use our past experiences to curb the outbreak. Lessons learned from the HIV crisis and other past epidemics can guide our responses now. Increased testing, public awareness, and access to vaccinations can make a significant difference in controlling this virus. And just as we've seen light-hearted memes about washing hands during the Covid-19 pandemic, we could use a bit of humour to encourage preventive measures on mpox too!

In the midst of all this, it's fascinating to note that the mpox virus is actually part of the same family as smallpox, a disease that was eradicated in 1980. Furthermore, the name 'mpox' derived from its zoonotic nature, usually spread from animals to humans, predominantly through contact with the bodily fluids or lesions of infected animals. So while the world may be on high alert for mpox, let’s not forget that we’ve already beat smallpox and can use that history to fuel our efforts against emerging health threats!