The World Health Organization has declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years due to an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo that has spread to neighboring countries. Mpox, a viral infection, can spread through close contact and cause flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions. The new variant, clade Ib, appears to spread more easily through routine contact, including sexual contact. This has led to the spread of cases to countries like Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. The WHO’s declaration of a PHEIC can help accelerate research, funding, and international cooperation to contain the disease. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has reported more than 17,000 suspected mpox cases and 517 deaths in Africa this year, a notable increase from the previous year. The mpox virus had previously spread globally in 2022, prompting a public health emergency declaration that was later ended. A coordinated international response is deemed essential to stop the spread of the disease and save lives.
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