WHO declares public health emergency because of latest Mpox variant
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) because of a brand new Mpox variant spreading in 13 African countries. External Situation Report 35A report published by the World Health Organization on 12 August 2024 stated that a complete of 99,176 laboratory-confirmed cases of Mpox were reported between 1 January 2022 and 30 June 2024.
External Situation Report 35, published on 12 August 2024
The death toll has reached 208, spreading to 116 countries/areas/territories. Since September last 12 months, the Mpox virus has undergone significant mutation, resulting in the emergence of the clade Ib variant, a strain that experts now describe as probably the most dangerous and contagious version of the virus up to now. This variant has shown an increased ability to spread more quickly and efficiently than previous strains, causing alarm in the worldwide medical community.
The clade Ib variant has not only been detected within the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) but has also begun to spread to neighbouring countries, further increasing concerns about its potential impact. Countries reminiscent of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda have reported cases of this highly contagious variant, indicating a worrying expansion of the epidemic in East and Central Africa.
Based on Mpox Long-Term Risk Assessment (as of August 2024)the next conclusions were drawn:
- Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and neighboring countries:The spread of the disease primarily affects adults and is transmitted mainly through sexual contact. The level of risk is high. (Clade IB)
- Endemic areas within the Democratic Republic of the Congo:The virus mainly affects children and spreads through multiple transmission modes. The risk level is high. (Klade Ia)
- Nigeria and West, Central and East African Countries:The virus affects children and adults, spreading through different routes of transmission. The risk level is moderate. (Class I and II)
- Global Impact:In all African countries and worldwide, outbreaks are primarily amongst men who’ve sex with men and are spread primarily through sexual contact. The risk level is moderate. (Class IIb)
Read also:WHO raises alarm: Mpox is now a worldwide public health threat
Latest Mpox case statistics and regional spread of Mpox
According to the newest available complete monthly disease surveillance data, there have been 934 laboratory-confirmed cases of Mpox and 4 deaths since June 2024. These reports were received from 26 affected countries. However, many countries underestimated the variety of Mpox cases reported to the World Health Organization (WHO). This underestimation poses a challenge to preventive actions to contain the spread of Mpox in several countries.
This World Health Organization (WHO) reported the spread of Mpox cases in several regions around the globe, including the African region (567 cases), the Americas region (175 cases), the European region (100 cases), the Western Pacific region (81 cases), and the Southeast Asia region (11 cases). Meanwhile, the Eastern Mediterranean region has not reported any cases in June 2024.
Read also: WHO Director-General declares MPox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern
Southeast Asia’s Response to Mpox and Preventive Measures Taken
According to the official website of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, Mpox (formerly generally known as monkeypox) is a disease brought on by the monkeypox virus. It was initially a zoonotic disease transmitted from animals to humans. Mpox, previously generally known as monkeypox, will also be transmitted from human to human. In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) modified the name of the disease from monkeypox to Mpox to avoid racism and stigmatization.
In the Southeast Asia region, the variety of cumulative laboratory-confirmed mpox cases and deaths reported to WHO, by WHO region, from January 1, 2022 to June 30, 2024, stays low, with a complete of 11 deaths and 925 confirmed mpox cases. However, this information shouldn’t be taken evenly. This contagious disease has develop into a serious concern for the governments of Southeast Asian countries. Although mpox is usually a gentle disease, if not treated appropriately and promptly, it will possibly pose serious risks that may result in death.
Read also: Multinational mpox explosion
In 2022, Southeast Asian countries took preventive measures to observe and control the spread of Mpox at their borders. These measures included conducting checks at airport checkpoints, screening international arrivals by reviewing travel history, providing health education to staff at entry points, and developing and innovating applications to observe travelers arriving from countries with Mpox cases.
