The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has declared the Mpox outbreak a continental public health emergency after a virulent strain spread rapidly to 16 countries, affecting six new countries in only 10 days. The disease’s aggressiveness has also led to deliberations by the World Health Organization (WHO) on whether to trigger its highest global alert. According to virologist Cheryl Walter, there is a need for urgent measures, including increased testing, public awareness, and vaccination, to prevent the disease from turning into a potential global pandemic. Despite limited resources and vaccines, she recommends that African health agencies focus on identifying cases, tracing contacts, and educating communities to contain the virus.
SOURCE: THE CONVERSATION
Africa Declares Mpox Public Health Emergency Amid Rapid Spread and Limited Resources
