The world could be sleepwalking into another pandemic if it does not take the risks of mpox seriously, according to a global health expert at the University of St Andrews. Dr Sabiiti and colleagues are already noting an uptick in the spread of mpox in African countries. The rapid growth in cases has been linked with the emergence of clade1b, the most transmissible mpox variant. In response to the spread in African countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) in August 2024 under the International Health regulations (2005) (IHR). Dr Sabiti said: "Hearing- or reading- about mpox does not make one appreciate the magnitude or devastation of the disease.

Source: Ethiopian News November 06, 2024 23:21 UTC