WHO Declares Mpox a Global Health Emergency: Here’s What You Need to Know About the Virus

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, a global health emergency, barely a week after the Africa Centre for Disease Control (Africa CDC) designated it a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) to mitigate the spread of the virus.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, August 14, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the “detection of Mpox in neighboring countries that had not previously reported it, and the potential for further spread within Africa and beyond, is very worrying.”

The declaration aims to help mitigate the rapidly escalating virus, which has already infected more than 12,300 people and killed 500 this year in the Democratic Republic of the Congo alone.

“In addition to other outbreaks of other strains of Mpox in other parts of Africa, it is clear that a coordinated international response is essential to stop this outbreak and save lives,” Ghebreyesus said.

Why Did WHO Declare Mpox a Global Health Emergency?

The WHO’s decision to declare Mpox a global health emergency is driven by the alarming spread of the virus across the African continent and the rising number of fatalities.

During a webinar on Thursday, Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, stated that “Mpox is a reality, and Africans are dying.”

He emphasised the need for a coordinated response to protect public health, noting that the declaration would help mobilize resources, streamline cross-border responses, and strengthen the continent’s health systems.

Dr. Kaseya also highlighted the importance of engaging Africa’s youth in the fight against Mpox, noting that their energy and innovation are crucial to combating the spread of the virus.

“This call for youth involvement is vital to harnessing their energy and innovation in combating the spread of the virus,” Kaseya said. He added that the declaration would be based on guidance from health experts and political leaders across Africa to ensure a unified and effective approach to the outbreak.

What is Mpox, How is It Transmitted, and What Are Its Symptoms?

Mpox is a zoonotic viral disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. It is caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus. The disease was first identified in 1958 in laboratory monkeys, hence the original name “monkeypox.” However, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other health bodies renamed it Mpox in 2022 to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with the original name.

The virus spreads through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or skin lesions of infected animals or humans. Human-to-human transmission can occur through close physical contact, respiratory droplets, and contaminated objects such as bedding or clothing. The virus can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth.

Also Read: Man Dies of Deadly Ebola-like Virus, Experts Warn of Potential Spread

Mpox typically begins with flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. Within a few days, a rash develops, often starting on the face before spreading to other parts of the body. The rash progresses through several stages, from flat lesions to raised bumps, and eventually to fluid-filled blisters that crust over and fall off. Swollen lymph nodes, a distinguishing feature of Mpox, often accompany these symptoms.

While Mpox is generally less severe than smallpox, it can lead to serious complications, especially in young children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The disease has a case fatality rate of approximately 3.2%, with children under 15 being the most affected demographic.

Since January 2022, Africa has recorded 38,465 Mpox cases and 1,456 deaths, with a significant increase in cases in 2024 compared to the previous year. The disease has spread across all five regions of the continent, affecting 16 countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, and Uganda, which have reported their first-ever cases of Mpox this year.