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Rapid spread. WHO declares monkeypox epidemic a public health emergency
15.08.2024 09:36
Scientists from all over the world are sounding the alarm – monkeypox is spreading rapidly in Congo and even in some other African countries.
Representatives of the World Health Organization are also sounding the alarm.
Thus, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared the monkeypox epidemic a public health emergency.
A problem of international importance
According to him, the problem is of international significance, writes MIA Rossiya Segodnya.
Previously, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared monkeypox a state of emergency; an outbreak of this disease has been recorded in some countries of the Black Continent.
Mr. Ghebreyesus reported that he was informed about the recognition of the ongoing emergency situation at a meeting of the Emergency Situations Committee.
I took that advice," said a senior health official.
Statistics
According to his information, the number of registered cases of monkeypox increased significantly last year.
And this year the figure has already exceeded last year’s level – over 14,000 cases have been recorded, of which 524 were fatal.
The rapid spread of a new monkeypox variant in eastern DR Congo, its detection in neighbouring countries and the potential for spread to Africa and beyond are deeply worrying, the WHO chief said.
There is a plan
He pointed out that the epidemic is occurring against the backdrop of outbreaks of other varieties of smallpox in other parts of Africa.
It is clear that a coordinated response is needed to stop them and save lives, Ghebreyesus said.
According to him, the WHO has developed a regional plan, but its implementation requires $15 million.
Of this amount, $1.45 million was allocated from the WHO emergency fund, and the organization is asking donors for the rest of the funds.
What is monkeypox
Monkeypox is a rare viral infection that can be transmitted between people.
As a rule, the disease is mild, and many patients recover within a few weeks, but many complications are also recorded.
The initial symptoms of this smallpox are headache, fever, muscle spasms, back pain, chills, exhaustion, and swollen lymph nodes.
In addition, a rash often develops, appearing on the face and then on other parts of the body.
