Mpox outbreak escalates in Africa. CDC & WHO join forces with a coordinated response plan to curb the spread and protect public health.
What you need to know about the latest mpox outbreak
Go to source) cases across the African continent, announcing a coordinated response plan with the WHO. Since 2024, the continent has reported 24,851 suspected mpox cases, including 5,549 confirmed cases and 643 deaths, said Jean Kaseya, director general of Africa CDC, during an online press briefing on Friday. Congo has emerged as the epicentre of the outbreak, accounting for 90 percent of reported cases. Congo has reported 20,463 suspected cases, including 635 deaths. Kaseya said there is an "upward trend" in mpox cases across Africa, with at least 14 countries affected, particularly since May 2024.
Monkeypox
Monkeypox infection is a zoonotic viral infection that usually lasts for 3 weeks. It is caused by the monkeypox virus and is characterized by rash or pox-like symptoms.
Monkeypox infection is a zoonotic viral infection that usually lasts for 3 weeks. It is caused by the monkeypox virus and is characterized by rash or pox-like symptoms.
‘The #Africa CDC & #WHO have launched a 6-month #monkeypox response plan with a $600 million budget. 55% will go directly to affected countries, while 45% will support partner organizations. #mpox #publichealth’
WHO Regional Director Moeti Urges Unified Effort to Contain Mpox Outbreak in Congo
WHO Regional Director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti, who also participated in the briefing, called for a unified approach to contain the outbreak in Congo. She emphasised the importance of coordination under the Africa CDC-WHO joint continental response plan. "This is an important milestone for coordinated action between our agencies to support countries by strengthening expertise, mobilising resources, and rapidly halting the spread of mpox," Moeti said."By working together, we can achieve more, ensuring that communities and individuals are protected from this virus. "In mid-August, the WHO declared the ongoing mpox outbreak in Africa a public health emergency of international concern, citing the emergence of a more dangerous but poorly understood variant, clade 1b, first detected in Congo in September 2023.
Cases of this clade 1b strain have since been reported in several countries, including Sweden and Thailand. On Wednesday, Guinea confirmed its first mpox case, and Kaseya noted that genetic sequencing tests are underway to determine if the clade 1b variant has spread to West Africa.
Test Your Knowledge on Monkeypox
Introduction: Monkeypox is a rare viral infection caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the same family of smallpox. It typically occurs in central and western Africa. Sometimes, small clusters or isolated infections are ...
Introduction: Monkeypox is a rare viral infection caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the same family of smallpox. It typically occurs in central and western Africa. Sometimes, small clusters or isolated infections are ...
Reference:
- What you need to know about the latest mpox outbreak - (https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-latest-mpox-outbreak/2024/09)
Source-IANS
Important Facts on Monkeypox
With the rapid increase in the 2022 outbreak of monkeypox cases, the following facts may help ease the alarming rates of misconceptions and concerns that have coursed among public.
With the rapid increase in the 2022 outbreak of monkeypox cases, the following facts may help ease the alarming rates of misconceptions and concerns that have coursed among public.
Rising Monkeypox Cases: WHO Declares Global Emergency
Learn about the recent outbreak of monkeypox, its declaration as an emergency, the spread of a new virus strain, and preventive measures to combat monkeypox.
Learn about the recent outbreak of monkeypox, its declaration as an emergency, the spread of a new virus strain, and preventive measures to combat monkeypox.
