The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the mpox, also known as monkeypox, outbreaks in Congo and other parts of Africa a global emergency, citing cases in over a dozen countries and a new virus variant, AP News reports.
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared it a public health emergency, reporting over 14,000 cases and 524 deaths, with the majority in Congo. The outbreaks are linked to a new, more deadly strain of the virus, which has a higher fatality rate of 3-4% and is spreading rapidly, particularly among children. The virus has also spread to four East African countries, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, with less dangerous strains reported in Ivory Coast and South Africa.
The WHO and Africa CDC are calling for better surveillance, more vaccines, and support from the global community. Congo has requested 4 million vaccine doses but has not received any so far. The US and Japan have pledged to provide vaccines.
