By Everister Lungu
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Mpox outbreak in parts of Africa a public health emergency of international concern.
Photograph: PANOS- The Economist
Previously known as monkeypox, the highly contagious disease has claimed the lives of at least 450 people during an initial outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The virus has since spread across parts of Central and East Africa, sparking concern among scientists due to the rapid spread of a new variant and its high fatality rate.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "The potential for further spread within Africa and beyond is very worrying.
A coordinated international response is essential to stop this outbreak and save lives."
Mpox is transmitted through close contact, including sexual contact, skin-to-skin interaction, and even proximity through talking or breathing near an infected person. The disease causes flu-like symptoms and skin lesions and can be fatal, with four out of 100 cases leading to death.
Though outbreaks can be contained through vaccination, these vaccines are generally reserved for individuals at high risk or those who have been in close contact with an infected person.
Malawi Ministry of health says they are alert about the outbreak following the WHO announcement.
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