Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is an infectious viral disease that can occur in humans and other animals. It is caused by the mpox virus, which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus. It can spread through close contact, such as touching, as well as through contaminated materials. Symptoms include a rash that forms blisters and then crusts over, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
According to reports, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the ongoing mpox outbreak in multiple African countries a public health emergency, the highest level of alarm under international health law.
The report further mentions that more than 17,000 cases and over 500 deaths have been reported in 13 countries in Africa, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with more than 14,000 cases originating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The WHO has developed a regional response plan that requires $15 million USD in funding for vaccines to alleviate the outbreak.
