Africa CDC Declares Mpox a Public Health Emergency

The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has officially declared mpox a public health emergency, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced response measures and public health interventions.

On Tuesday, the health authority of the African Union proclaimed a state of public health crisis due to an increasing spread of mpox since July.

During an online briefing held on Tuesday, Jean Kaseya, the leader of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention emphasized the need to adopt assertive measures in dealing with the outbreak.

As of August 4, the CDC reported that Africa had recorded a total of 38,465 cases and 1,456 fatalities from mpox since January 2022.

Several African countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), have been affected by the outbreak. Almost all east and central African nations have reported cases at present.

Close contact transmission is responsible for the spread of Mpox, a highly contagious disease that results in flu-like symptoms and rashes along with pus-filled wounds. Although most cases are mild, confirmed fatalities have also been reported.

On Tuesday, the World Health Organization announced that their emergency committee will convene on Wednesday to deliberate whether a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) declaration is necessary.