The World Health Organization has recently declared the mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (2005).
In this article, we will cover the details of the mpox virus and other important concepts related to mpox, which will be important from the point of current affairs.
Declaration of Mpox a global health emergency
On 13 August, WHO Director Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared the rising cases of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and other African countries as a concern for the world.
During the declaration, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated, “The emergence of a new clade of mpox, its rapid spread in eastern DRC, and the reporting of cases in several neighbouring countries are very worrying. On top of outbreaks of other mpox clades in DRC and other countries in Africa, it’s clear that a coordinated international response is needed to stop these outbreaks and save lives.” (source: Who.int)
In July 2022, the mpox was declared a public health emergency in multiple countries. This public health emergency of International concern lasted till May 2023.
Reason for Declaration of Mpox a PHEIC
The declaration of mpox a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) was based on the advice of an IHR Emergency Committee of independent experts due to the rapid spread of a new mpox clade in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and its detection in neighboring countries like Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.
History of Mpox
Mpox was first identified in 1958 in Denmark when it was found in monkeys kept for research purposes.
The first human case of mpox in humans was found in 1970 in a 9- month-old baby in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The mpox has been present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for more than a decade.
Recent Outbreak of Mpox
In 2022 the mpox was spread all around the world causing a global health emergency.
The emergence of a new sexually transmissible strain of mpox (clade 1b) in 2023 has led to a significant increase in cases.
This is the second PHEIC related to mpox in two years. The previous PHEIC was declared in July 2022 and ended in May 2023 after a decline in global cases.
According to WHO, as of 2024, there have been 15,600 cases of mpox, and 537 deaths have been recorded.
Cause of Mpox (Monkeypox)?
Signs and Symptoms of Mpox
Mpox is an infectious disease. Common symptoms of Mpox include an itchy or painful rash on the skin which can last over 2 to 4 weeks, sore throat, fever, back pain, headache, muscle aches, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
Transmission of Mpox
Mpox can be spread by various means including physical contact with infectious skin of someone who is already infectious or other contaminated objects.
People with multiple sexual partners have higher chances of getting infected by mpox. The mpox can also spread through the oral or respiratory droplets of an infectious person.
Bites or scratches or eating or coming in contact with infected animals from mpox can transmit the mpox disease.
The mpox can also spread from a pregnant woman to her unborn baby.
Why monkeypox was renamed to mpox
In 2022, the WHO changed the name of “monkeypox’ to “mpox” due to concerns about racism associated with the original name.
During the global outbreak of mpox in 2022-2023, there were increasing demands to change the name, “monkeypox” leading to the decision to adopt “mpox” as the preferred new name.
FAQ on Mpox
How does mpox spread?
Mpox spreads through kissing, sexual contact, touching the skin of an infected person, using the clothing of an infectious person, and eating or coming in contact with infected animals.
What are the symptoms of mpox?
Common symptoms of mpox are rash on the skin, sore throat, fever, back pain, headache, muscle aches, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
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