- The WHO has declared a public health emergency due to a new strain of mpox spreading in Africa.
- The Democratic Republic of Congo accounts for 96% of cases, with over 17,000 reported.
- Clade 1b has been identified in previously unaffected countries like Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.
In 2024, mpox, previously known as monkeypox, has seen a significant rise in cases, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where it accounts for the majority of infections in Africa.
A new strain named clade 1b has been identified, predominantly spreading through sexual networks. This strain has reached countries such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, marking the first reported cases in these nations.
New Mpox Strain Triggers Global Alert: WHO Calls for Action
The emergence of the new mpox strain, clade 1b, has escalated concerns about the virus’s spread beyond its traditional strongholds. The Democratic Republic of Congo continues to face the brunt of the outbreak, but the recent identification of cases in previously unaffected countries underscores the potential for widespread transmission. Dr. Tedros has stressed the importance of swift and comprehensive action to mitigate this public health threat.
WHO has initiated a global strategic preparedness and response plan aimed at addressing the ongoing crisis. This plan focuses on controlling the outbreak in the DRC while also targeting the new cases in neighboring nations. The urgency of the situation reflects not only the rising number of cases but also the need for international collaboration and resource allocation to combat mpox effectively.
Public health officials are mobilizing resources to contain the spread, emphasizing community education and vaccination efforts where possible. The coordinated response aims to prevent further outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations, especially as the new strain spreads through sexual networks.
As the situation evolves, WHO continues to monitor developments closely and urges countries to remain vigilant. The outbreak serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by infectious diseases and the need for global solidarity in addressing them.
The emergence of clade 1b in the mpox outbreak has prompted the WHO to take significant action, emphasizing the importance of coordinated global responses to emerging health threats.
“The mpox outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring countries can be controlled, and can be stopped.” – Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
