Mpox Declared Public Health Emergency in Africa Amid Rapid Spread

Mpox, the highly infectious disease formerly known as monkeypox, has been declared a public health emergency in Africa by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). This urgent declaration comes as scientists express concern over the rapid spread of a new strain of the virus.

Since the start of the year, more than 13,700 cases and 450 deaths have been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo alone. The virus, known for causing lesions across the body, has also spread to other African nations, including Burundi, the Central African Republic (CAR), Kenya, and Rwanda.

Health officials globally are closely monitoring the situation to assess the risk of the outbreak spreading beyond Africa.

Mpox primarily spreads from animals to humans and can be transmitted between people through close contact, including sexual contact, skin-to-skin interactions, and even through talking or breathing close to an infected individual. The virus can cause severe symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and widespread lesions, and if left untreated, it can be fatal.

Authorities are urging increased vigilance and preventative measures to curb the virus’s spread across the continent.