WHO Declares Emergency Over Contagious Mpox Strain

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, a global public health emergency but emphasized that it is not another COVID-19. Authorities highlight that mpox can be managed with existing measures such as vaccination and behavior change, and the current focus is on the Clade 1b strain, noted for its more contagious nature. WHO officials have called for coordinated global efforts to control and eliminate the virus, particularly in regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is the epicenter of the outbreak. The Democratic Republic of Congo accounts for over 17,000 confirmed cases and 571 deaths in Africa this year. AIIMS Delhi has issued protocols for handling suspected cases, emphasizing isolation and immediate assessment. Despite the rise in cases, experts believe the risk to the general population remains low.