Summary
- Health officials have ordered doctors to look out for cases of mpox as a deadly strain has reached Europe, with a global health emergency declared by the World Health Organisation
- Experts warn that the new strain is more severe and has a higher mortality rate than previous outbreaks in 2022
- Rapid testing is being made available and GPs and hospitals have been told to isolate those with symptoms, with the UK Health Security Agency stating that the risk to the population is low
- Authorities are prepared with enough vaccines and treatments to deal with a potential outbreak of the disease
- The deadly variant of mpox has already caused hundreds of deaths in Africa, crossing borders and posing a threat to populations with authorities struggling to contain the spread.
Health officials are on high alert as a dangerous strain of mpox has made its way to Europe, causing the World Health Organisation to declare a global health emergency. The first case outside of Africa was reported in Sweden, prompting concerns across Europe.
This new strain of mpox is said to be more severe and deadly than previous outbreaks. While the UK Health Security Agency reassures the public that the risk is currently low, doctors have been instructed to be vigilant for any cases.
Efforts are being made to quickly test and isolate individuals showing symptoms. The government has ensured that there are enough vaccines and treatments available to address any potential outbreak.
Known for affecting central and east Africa since the 1970s, mpox has reared its head once again with devastating consequences. Despite the existence of a vaccine, uptake in resource-limited countries has been slow.
The recent surge in cases has raised concerns about the spread of the new variant, which has already caused numerous deaths across the region. The situation is dire, with cases on the rise and populations at risk.
The Africa CDC reported that mpox has been detected in multiple countries this year, with Congo bearing the brunt of the outbreak. With over 14,000 cases and 524 deaths so far, the situation is critical.
Experts warn that the new variant of mpox is highly contagious and poses a significant threat to vulnerable populations. Efforts to contain the outbreak have been hindered by limited resources and challenges in remote areas.
The global community is urged to provide support to affected regions and work towards controlling the spread of the disease. The focus is on protecting the most vulnerable, particularly children, from the deadly effects of this new strain of mpox.
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Infectious Diseases, Public Health & Prevention, Global Health, Public Health Emergency