Kathmandu. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a health emergency after the increase in monkeypox (MPOX) infection in African countries. According to the WHO, WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has declared a health emergency following the suggestion of the members at the meeting of the International Health Organization’s emergency committee held on Wednesday.
In accordance with international law, the World Health Organization declares an emergency if there is a risk of rapid spread of a disease infection. The African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared a health emergency on Tuesday after analyzing the situation.
The highly contagious disease Mpox originated in the Republic of Congo in Africa. Its infection has now spread to Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. According to WHO, 524 people have died and more than 14,000 people have been infected.
How does it move?
According to WHO, Mpox is transmitted to people who are in close contact with infected people. The disease is also spread through breathing while touching or talking to an infected person.
If its infection is seen, blisters will appear all over the body, causing high fever and death. In the beginning, flu-like symptoms appear.
Deadly and alarming
There are two main types of mpox – clade 1 and clade 2. A health emergency was declared in 2022 when the clade-2 type of infection spread. This time, Clade-1 infection has been observed. Scientists have said that it is more deadly than Clade-2.
WHO has approved two vaccines against Mpox. Dr. Tedros, Director General of WHO, has said that the situation of Mpox infection spread is worrying. He said that it is necessary to carry out accurate and comprehensive campaign of health vigilance to prevent the death rate caused by this. He also called on the governments of the affected countries, the Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other partners to work together.
The WHO has stated that one and a half million dollars will be needed initially to conduct surveillance, preparedness and action activities to prevent its spread.
According to Dr. Tedros, director general of WHO, 1.4 million dollars have been collected in the disaster fund. He has also appealed to the world community to donate more funds to the fund.