The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared monkeypox a global emergency. It is a viral infection that is spreading rapidly around the world. This is the second time in the last two years that monkeypox has caused such a big concern. Let us know the symptoms, causes and who is most at risk of monkeypox.
Monkeypox is a viral infection caused by the monkeypox virus. The disease has existed in parts of Africa for decades and has recently become more widespread. The WHO has declared it a global emergency as a new strain is spreading rapidly.
Monkeypox can be life-threatening, especially for people with weakened immunity. Children, pregnant women and people with HIV are most at risk. The WHO has declared it a global emergency due to a new strain of the virus that has never been seen before.
Monkeypox is mainly spread through sexual contact and close physical contact. However, there is no evidence that it spreads through the air. In recent times, its new strain has raised concerns as it is spreading rapidly among people. Two years ago, WHO declared monkeypox an emergency when a strain called 'Clade IIb' started spreading, especially among men who have sex with men.
Monkeypox has been a health problem in Africa for decades. The first case was reported in Congo in 1970. More than 27,000 cases have been reported so far and more than 1,100 deaths have occurred since January 2023, mostly among children. Two types called 'Clade I' and 'Clade Ib' are spreading in Congo.
From Congo, the disease has spread to Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi and Kenya. Recently, Sweden has reported the first case of 'Clade Ib' outside Africa. A WHO spokesperson said that this situation shows the need for international cooperation and travel restrictions will continue to be advised against.
WHO had appealed for $34 million to fight monkeypox in 2022, but there was no response from donors. African countries lack the vaccine doses needed to treat monkeypox. WHO has recently appealed to countries to donate doses. Africa CDC has also planned to secure doses, but stocks are currently limited. The mortality rate in Congo in the monkeypox outbreak has been around 4 percent, while the 'Clade II' that spread globally was less deadly. Monkeypox is a serious health crisis, which requires global cooperation to stop it. Its new strain has increased concern, and the lack of proper measures and vaccination needs to be met as soon as possible. It is important to keep in mind that one should have the right information about any health problem and take proper precautions.
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