Officials said “international action” was needed to curb the spread of the potentially deadly infection, which has already been declared a global health emergency. In a major update, the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that at least 100 new cases of MPOX are being registered in Europe every month.
The disease, formerly known as monkeypox, is causing great concern around the world due to a surge in cases in Africa.
According to the data, so far in 2024, over 15,000 MPOX cases and 461 deaths have been reported on the African continent.
This represents a 160 percent increase in cases compared to the same period in 2023, and a roughly 19 percent increase in deaths.
This surge is thought to be driven by the MPOX lineage 1b variant, which appears to spread more easily through close casual contact.
Subsequent detection of lineage 1b cases in Sweden has raised further concerns.
Hans Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe, explained at a press conference that 100 new cases of lineage 2 virus infections are reported in Europe each month. “We can and must work together to confront MPOX,” he said.
“So will we choose to put in place a system to control and eradicate MPOX globally? Or will we fall into a new cycle of panic and neglect? How we respond, now and in the coming years, will be a crucial test for Europe and the world.”
Symptoms of Mpox include high fever, headache, muscle and back pain, swollen lymph nodes, tremors, fatigue and joint pain.
According to the NHS, the rash usually appears one to five days after the first symptoms appear, usually starting on the face before spreading to other parts of the body.
However, at the same meeting, WHO officials insisted that the current outbreak was not “COVID-19.”
“Crucial work is already underway in close collaboration with communities and governments, with country teams on the frontline working to strengthen MPOX prevention and control measures,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.
“As the virus spreads, we are stepping up our efforts to help countries end the outbreak through coordinated international action.”
To prevent mpox infection, the NHS recommends:
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Discuss your sexual health and symptoms with your sexual partners. If you are sexually active, be aware of the symptoms of MPOX, especially if you have a new sexual partner. If you have symptoms of MPOX, refrain from sex or intimate contact until you have been examined by a doctor and have been told that you do not transmit the disease. Do not share bedding or towels with people who may have MPOX. Avoid close contact (within one meter) with people who may have MPOX. While traveling in West and Central Africa, avoid approaching wild or stray animals, including animals that appear unwell or are dead. While traveling in West and Central Africa, do not eat or handle wild animal meat.
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