WHO Declares Monkeypox Outbreak as Public Health Emergency

WHO Declares Monkeypox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on August 14, 2024. This decision was driven by a significant surge in cases, particularly in Africa, where outbreaks have been spreading across countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, and Uganda. WHO's declaration marks this as one of the highest levels of international health alert, reflecting the urgency of the situation.

What's worse, on August 15, 2024, Sweden confirmed its first case of the more dangerous clade I variant of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox), which had previously only been detected in Africa. This marks the first confirmed case of this variant outside of Africa. The infected individual had recently traveled to a region in Africa affected by the ongoing mpox outbreak. This new variant is part of the surge in cases that led to the World Health Organization's declaration of a global public health emergency​

Health experts are raising concerns about the fast spread of the virus, noting that the emergence of new clades, particularly clade 1b, has made the situation more dangerous. This variant is reportedly deadlier and easier to transmit. Experts like Hugh Adler from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine highlighted that the disease is "presenting in atypical ways," complicating efforts like contact tracing.

The WHO is mobilizing resources, including a $15 million regional response plan, to tackle the outbreaks through surveillance, preparedness, and public health interventions. However, challenges remain, including scaling up vaccine production and ensuring that lower-income countries have equitable access to vaccines. Public health officials stress that while the risk to global traffic remains low, a coordinated international response is crucial to control the spread and save lives.

Key Takeaways

• WHO declares monkeypox a PHEIC.
• 90 cases of monkeypox reported in four African countries.
• Monkeypox previously unreported in these countries.
• WHO has monitored seven outbreaks since 2009.
• Monkeypox added to list of monitored diseases.

Analysis

The classification of monkeypox as a PHEIC highlights its rapid global spread, impacting previously unaffected regions like East Africa and bringing about changes in healthcare systems and economies. Short-term consequences include heightened surveillance and containment efforts, while long-term effects may involve changes in public health policies and vaccine development. Financial markets could react with volatility, affecting biotech stocks and global health funds. The outbreak's root cause likely stems from undetected viral transmission, exacerbated by international travel and limited healthcare infrastructure in affected countries.

Did You Know?

• PHEIC (Public Health Emergency of International Concern):
  • A PHEIC is an extraordinary event posing risks beyond the affected country's borders and requiring a coordinated international response.
• Monkeypox:
  • Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease that primarily occurs in tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africa, and is occasionally exported to other regions.
• Zoonotic Disease:
  • A zoonotic disease is an infectious disease that is transmitted between species from animals to humans, and monkeypox is an example of this, originating from animals and spreading to humans.