The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently declared a highly contagious and severe strain of mpox a global health emergency.
The declaration was posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus following a meeting with health advisers.
"Today, the Emergency Committee on mpox met and advised me that in its view, the situation constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. I have accepted that advice," the post read.
Today, the Emergency Committee on #mpox met and advised me that in its view, the situation constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. I have accepted that advice.@WHO is on the ground, working with the affected countries, and others at risk, through our…
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) August 14, 2024
CDC Declares Mpox as Global Health Emergency
The declaration came after mpox outbreaks, specifically the clade I strain, were recorded in 13 African nations, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, and the Central African Republic. More than 17,000 cases have been reported across Africa this year so far, per the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Of those, an estimated 8,722 children have contracted the disease in the DRC. A total of 548 people have died, including 463 children, per the UNICEF.
"The evidence indicates that children, especially those malnourished or affected by other illnesses, are the most vulnerable to catching and dying from this strain of mpox. Protecting them must be the top priority," UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Gilles Fagninou, said.
No mpox cases caused by the clade I strain have been recorded in the US as of Monday. In an alert last week, the CDC said a potential spread in the US was a "very low risk" at this time.
That being said, there are a few cases of mpox caused by the clade II strain reported in the US every week. That strain circulated in the US in the spring of 2022, with most outbreaks recorded in major cities such as New York and San Francisco, per USA Today. The clade II strain is less transmissible and less severe than the clade I strain.
How To Stay Protected From Mpox?
To keep your family protected from the disease, experts recommend getting the JYNNEOS vaccine. The shot is given in two doses administered at least a month apart. The vaccine provides protection against both the clade I and clade II strains. Per the CDC, fully vaccinated individuals accounted for less than 1% of mpox cases.
Additionally, experts recommend avoiding contact with animals or people who may have been exposed to the virus, avoiding contact with bedding and materials contaminated with the virus, using personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for people with mpox, and wearing a face mask when around other people.
