The World Health Organization declared a global health emergency on Wednesday over outbreaks of mpox (formerly monkeypox) in more than a dozen African countries, warning that new variants of the virus are spreading rapidly. Mpox, the latest strain which was first detected in the Democratic Republic of Congo and then spread to neighboring countries, causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions all over the body, and is usually spread through close contact or exchange of bodily fluids.
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“Today, the emergency committee met and advised me that in its view, the situation constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. I have accepted that advice,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a press conference. “This is something that should concern us all. WHO is committed in the days and weeks ahead to coordinate the global response, working closely with each of the affected countries, and leveraging our on-the-ground presence, to prevent transmission, treat those infected, and save lives.”
JUST IN: The World Health Organization (WHO) declares the Mpox (monkeypox) outbreak a global health emergency. pic.twitter.com/r9M5Xc0OZm
— Valuetainment Media (@ValuetainmentTV) August 14, 2024
So far this year, DR Congo has reported more than 14,000 cases and 524 deaths from mpox, exceeding last year’s total.
Connor Walcott is a staff writer for Valuetainment.com. Follow Connor on X and look for him on VT’s “The Unusual Suspects.”
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