(SQAUK) — On Wednesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared monkeypox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), marking the second time the agency has used this designation for a global health threat in two years. This decision was not made lightly but in response to the rapidly escalating number of monkeypox cases worldwide, with more than 60,000 confirmed cases reported across 55 countries as of early August 2024. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated.
Monkeypox, a viral zoonotic disease related to smallpox, has typically been limited to remote areas of Central and West Africa. However, since early 2022, the virus has surfaced in regions where it had yet to be documented, including Europe, the Americas, and Asia. The current outbreak is not just large but unparalleled in its size and geographic spread, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The WHO’s declaration follows extensive deliberations among its emergency committee, which concluded that the escalating situation meets the criteria for a PHEIC. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the need for international cooperation, stating, “The rapid spread of monkeypox to countries around the world necessitates a unified and coordinated response. We cannot afford to ignore the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.” This unity is crucial in our fight against the outbreak.
NOW – WHO’s Tedros declares global “mpox” emergency. pic.twitter.com/2CPJE1JUFR
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) August 14, 2024
The latest data from the WHO shows that monkeypox cases have increased by over 50% in the past two months. Infections have now been reported in countries as distant as Australia, Brazil, India, and the United Kingdom. The way the virus is spreading has raised concerns among public health experts. Monkeypox is transmitted through close contact with an infected person or contaminated materials like bedding or clothing. The virus causes a characteristic rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, and exhaustion. Although it’s generally linked with transmission from animals to humans, the current outbreak involves a high transmission level between humans.
Dr. Rosamund Lewis, WHO’s Technical Lead on Monkeypox, expressed alarm at the virus’s rapid spread, posting the following statement on the social platform X: “Let’s stop #mpox from becoming the next #smallpox.”
Just published. let’s stop #mpox from becoming the next #smallpox https://t.co/6sSeD6yW72 pic.twitter.com/GT9gSbHZWf
— Rosamund Lewis (@PeopleDocGeneva) May 24, 2024
In response to the WHO’s declaration, countries worldwide have begun ramping up their public health efforts to combat the outbreak. Several nations, including the United States, Germany, and Canada, have already initiated vaccination campaigns targeting high-risk populations, such as healthcare workers and individuals with known exposure to the virus. The smallpox vaccine, which has shown efficacy against monkeypox, is being used as a preventive measure.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued updated guidelines for healthcare providers, advising them to identify potential cases and implement appropriate infection control measures. Dr. Rochelle Walensky, Director of the CDC, highlighted the importance of early detection: “Rapid identification and isolation of cases are critical to preventing the spread of monkeypox. We urge healthcare providers to maintain a high index of suspicion, especially in individuals presenting with a characteristic rash.”
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has issued similar guidance in Europe, focusing on enhancing laboratory testing capacity and contact tracing efforts. The ECDC has also called for increased public awareness campaigns to educate the public about the symptoms of monkeypox and the importance of seeking medical attention if exposed.
The global spread of monkeypox has prompted concerns about the potential for the virus to become endemic in regions outside of Africa. If this were to happen, it could lead to sustained transmission and ongoing outbreaks, posing a significant public health threat. Researchers are closely monitoring the virus’s genetic evolution to determine whether it may be adapting to more efficient human-to-human transmission. A recent study published in Nature suggested that the current strain of the virus may have undergone mutations that enhance its transmissibility. However, further research is needed to confirm this hypothesis.
The economic and social impact of the outbreak is also a growing concern. In several countries, public health measures such as quarantine and isolation have disrupted daily life and strained healthcare systems already grappling with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The WHO has called for international solidarity and support to ensure that low- and middle-income countries can access vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics.
Despite the global mobilization to combat monkeypox, significant challenges remain. The WHO has highlighted the need for increased funding to support outbreak response efforts, particularly in resource-limited settings. Additionally, the stigma associated with the virus, which has disproportionately affected men who have sex with men (MSM), poses a barrier to effective public health messaging and community engagement.
Dr. Tedros has urged countries to address these challenges directly: “The potential for spread in Africa and beyond is very concerning.”
Another challenge is the potential for misinformation to spread on social media platforms. As seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, false information can undermine public health efforts and fuel vaccine hesitancy. Public health agencies are working to counteract misinformation by providing precise and accurate information about monkeypox through official channels.
The World Health Organization’s declaration of monkeypox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) is crucial for sparking global action against the outbreak. Nevertheless, experts warn that the journey ahead will be lengthy and challenging. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the significance of taking early and decisive action to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, and the international community must now implement those lessons in combating monkeypox.
As the world grapples with this emerging threat, the World Health Organization (WHO) has urged countries to stay vigilant and prepared while navigating the complexities of the post-pandemic era. Dr. Tedros ended his remarks with a call to action, emphasizing the need for a coordinated international response to stop these outbreaks and save lives.
The upcoming weeks and months will be crucial in determining the trajectory of the monkeypox outbreak. With coordinated global efforts, there is hope that the virus can be contained and its impact mitigated. However, the situation remains fluid, and continued vigilance is necessary to prevent further spread.
As people respond to the new public health emergency, the lessons learned from past pandemics will be invaluable in guiding the global response and ensuring that the world is better prepared for future health threats.
Additional information
+++ ATTENTION PLEASE +++
Reports Suggest States Preparing to Implement WHO Orders 🌍
According to reports, states are preparing to follow the WHO’s directives after having previously ceded certain governmental powers to the organization in such cases. These measures aim to… pic.twitter.com/B3wwqLeN2h
— 𝕏 (@AlertChannel) August 14, 2024
