WHO declares smallpox epidemic in Africa.

The announcement of a global health emergency by the World Health Organization due to a surge in cases of mpox in African nations has raised concerns worldwide. The infectious disease, caused by the monkeypox virus, has spread rapidly across 13 countries in Africa, prompting the WHO to issue its second emergency declaration in two years. The emergence of new, more contagious strains of the virus has added to the urgency of the situation.

With over 17,000 reported cases in 2024, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has noted a significant increase from previous years. Tragically, 500 deaths have been reported, underscoring the severity of the crisis. International assistance is being sought to combat the outbreak and prevent further spread.

The zoonotic nature of mpox, transmitted from animals to humans, has contributed to its rapid dissemination. Human-to-human transmission has also been reported, indicating the potential for further escalation. While efforts are underway to contain the outbreak, concerns remain about the virus’s ease of transmission and the need for enhanced prevention measures.

Symptoms of mpox are similar to smallpox but generally less severe. Rash development is a key indicator, with distinct stages of lesion formation and healing. Vaccination efforts are crucial to curbing the spread of the disease, with millions of doses needed to address the current outbreak in Africa.

In response to the crisis, the WHO has allocated funds for immediate assistance and is preparing to seek additional support from donors. The coordinated global effort to combat mpox underscores the importance of rapid intervention and collaboration in addressing public health emergencies of this magnitude.