Summary
- The World Health Organization is addressing the international spread of a deadly strain of monkeypox.
- The virus has evolved to become more infectious and deadly, affecting countries outside the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- The new strain has killed up to one in 10 people who catch it.
- Various African countries, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, have reported cases of the virus.
- The WHO is working with governments and organizations to address the outbreaks and recommend vaccination for prevention.
A deadly strain of monkeypox has sparked international concern, leading the World Health Organization to convene an Emergency Committee meeting. The virus, now more infectious and deadly, has spread from the Democratic Republic of Congo to neighboring countries such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. Public health officials are worried about the potential for further international spread and are calling for a comprehensive response to address the outbreak.
The new strain, known as ‘clade 1b,’ is causing fatalities in up to one in 10 people who contract it, with a surge in cases recorded in the DRC in 2024. The WHO is working closely with affected countries, Africa’s CDC, and non-governmental organizations to understand and address the drivers of the outbreak. There is no direct cure for monkeypox, but two vaccines are recommended for prevention. Symptoms include a rash, fever, headache, and muscle aches, and the virus is spread through physical contact and contaminated materials. Health officials are urging vigilance and prompt vaccination to contain the spread of the virus and prevent further fatalities.
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Infectious Diseases, Emergency Medicine, Public Health & Prevention