In a significant development, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the increasing spread of monkeypox, also known as mpox, in Africa as a global health emergency. Concerns are growing as experts warn that the virus could potentially cross international borders, posing a threat to public health worldwide.

With more than a dozen African nations reporting confirmed cases of mpox this year, authorities have now recognized the urgent need for a coordinated global response. The Democratic Republic of Congo is currently grappling with the largest outbreak of the virus, which has reached alarming levels.

Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease physician from Johns Hopkins, highlighted the risks associated with the uncontrolled spread of mpox. He warned, "There is the chance, and that chance happened, that this would resurge and spiral out of control. So, in certain countries, like the Democratic Republic of Congo, it has become out of control."

Mpox, a decades-old virus, triggered outbreaks in over 70 countries in 2022, including the United States. Its symptoms include fever, chills, body aches, and lesions. The virus primarily spreads through skin-to-skin contact, emphasizing the need for proactive preventive measures.

Doctors strongly advocate for vaccination as the most effective way to curb the spread of mpox. Adalja revealed that during the previous outbreak in the United States, only around 25% of the at-risk population received the vaccine. This highlights the pressing need for more individuals in the at-risk group to be vaccinated, including those who have only received a single dose and require the second dose for optimal protection.

Adalja clarified that the purpose of raising awareness about the mpox outbreak in the United States is not to sow panic but to ensure coordinated efforts and collaboration in Africa to provide essential resources, particularly vaccines, to effectively combat the virus in the region.

However, the current challenge lies in the limited availability of treatments or vaccines in Africa. This scarcity adds to the urgency of international efforts to provide necessary resources and support to the affected countries, mitigating the devastating impact of this global health crisis.

The declaration of mpox as a global health emergency by the WHO acts as a call to action for governments, public health organizations, and communities worldwide to pool their resources and expertise to combat this highly contagious virus. Immediate attention and intervention are imperative to prevent further escalation and protect public health on a global scale.