WHO Aims to Halt Mpox Outbreaks in Africa Within Six Months

The World Health Organization (WHO) is optimistic about curbing the ongoing mpox outbreaks in Africa within the next six months. The agency’s first shipment of vaccines is expected to arrive in Congo, the country with the highest number of cases, within days. While mpox infections have been rising rapidly, deaths have been relatively low. The WHO has declared the outbreaks a global health emergency, prompting a global response to address the spread of the virus, which has been largely unnoticed for years. A new version of mpox, identified in Congo, is thought to be more easily transmissible. Mpox, related to smallpox, causes symptoms like fever, headache, and body aches. In severe cases, individuals may develop painful sores and blisters. The virus is typically spread through close skin-to-skin contact. The WHO is working to expedite vaccine access for affected countries and is launching educational campaigns to raise awareness about preventing the spread of mpox.