The World Health Organization has declared the ongoing outbreaks of monkeypox (MPOX) in Congo and some other countries in Africa a global emergency.
This declaration, made recently, categorizes Mpox as a public health emergency of international concern — the most serious alert the WHO can issue. The classification highlights the critical nature of the situation, emphasizing the need for coordinated global efforts to contain the virus and protect public health.
Since the outbreak, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 39 cases across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The agency stated that it has placed the states and the FCT under heightened surveillance and is stepping up coordination efforts to prevent the importation and spread of the virus. So far, there have been no Mpox-related deaths in Nigeria.
Mpox, formally known as Monkeypox, is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the Mpox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. While it is related to smallpox, Mpox is generally less severe. Nonetheless, it can still pose significant health risks.
Mpox has been recorded to spread through direct contact with infected human, animals, or contaminated materials. It can spread through respiratory droplets and also through close contact with skin lesions, bodily fluids like kissing and sexual intercourse or contaminated surfaces.
The incubation period for Mpox ranges from 3 to 21 days. Symptoms often begin with fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes, followed by a characteristic rash that progresses from flat lesions to raised pustules and, eventually, scabs.
To stay safe, experts advise avoiding close physical contact with anyone with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-like lesions, not sharing utensils, clothing or bedding, and maintaining good hygiene such as regular hand washing.
Mpox can be prevented with the Mpox vaccine or by maintaining proper personal hygiene, like proper cooking of meat and animal product while also isolating from infected person.
Following the declaration of the virus as a global emergency, the global agency held a meeting of experts to assess the outbreak and provide recommendations to the United Nations health agency’s Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus.
Ghebreyesus said, “The WHO is committed in the days and weeks ahead to coordinate the global response, working closely with each of the affected countries, and leveraging our on-the-ground presence, to prevent transmission, treat those infected, and save lives.”
Currently, 208 deaths and around 100,000 cases of Mpox have been reported worldwide, with a mortality rate ranging from 1-10%, depending on the region and the quality of health infrastructure. Due to the recent outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Nigeria, Europe, Asia and North America have emphasized the need for a global response.
The risk of contracting Mpox is higher in regions with limited healthcare resources, where vaccination and treatment options may be scarce.
Federal and state governments as well as public health authorities must enforce stringent measures, including vaccination for at-risk populations, public awareness campaigns, and strengthened surveillance systems.
Also, rapid response teams and improved laboratory testing capabilities will be essential for the early detection and containment of the Mpox outbreak.
With the WHO’s declaration of a global health emergency, governments, public health authorities, and international organizations must work together to curb the virus’s spread.