WHO Declares Global Health Emergency for Mpox

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the mpox outbreak in Africa a global health emergency due to the emergence of a more dangerous variant, Clade 1b. This variant has been linked to over 14,000 cases and 511 deaths in the Democratic Republic of the Congo this year, with cases spreading to other countries, including the first confirmed case in Thailand. Despite concerns, WHO European director Doctor Hans Kluge indicated that a lockdown similar to that of Covid-19 is unlikely, emphasizing the importance of vaccinations and community engagement in controlling the outbreak. Experts believe that while mpox may spread globally, it is unlikely to escalate into a pandemic at the same scale as Covid-19. The transmission mode of mpox, primarily through close contact rather than respiratory droplets, suggests a slower spread compared to respiratory viruses. Authorities are urged to enhance vaccine distribution to combat the outbreak effectively.