mpox

WHO declares mpox a global health emergency: What is mpox, can the virus spread, How can it be stopped

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WHO declares mpox a global health emergency: What is mpox, can the virus spread, How can it be stopped

The World Health Organisation (WHO) announced on Wednesday that the escalating transmission of mpox in Africa constitutes a global health emergency, warning that the virus could potentially spread across international borders.The declaration was made by WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus following a convening of the UN health agency’s emergency committee. This announcement comes just a … Read more

WHO declares mpox a global public health emergency as new transmissible virus strain spreads

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WHO declares mpox a global public health emergency as new transmissible virus strain spreads

The World Health Organization declared that the mpox outbreaks in Congo and other African nations constitute a global emergency, sounding its most severe warning over the worsening situation. The WHO reported 208 fatalities and over 99,000 mpox cases across 116 nations between January 2022 and June 2024.“This is something that should concern us all …The … Read more

WHO declares mpox a global public health emergency

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WHO declares mpox a global public health emergency

The World Health Organization declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern at a meeting on Wednesday. The meeting came a day after the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention deemed the disease a public health emergency for the continent, with cases up 160% from last year and deaths up by 19% — … Read more

Rising mpox cases and fatalities: All about the virus now found in 116 countries

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WHO declares mpox a global public health emergency as new transmissible virus strain spreads

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported 208 fatalities and over 99,000 mpox cases across 116 nations between January 2022 and June 2024. Health experts are also scheduled to convene and consider raising the UN agency’s highest alert.If the WHO announces a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), it would mark the second instance for … Read more

Africa public health body declares mpox emergency

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Africa public health body declares mpox emergency

Africa’s top public health body declared what it termed a “public health emergency of continental security” on Tuesday over an outbreak of mpox that spread from the Democratic Republic of Congo to neighboring countries. Mpox is transmitted through close contact and causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions. Most cases are mild but some can kill. … Read more

WHO calls emergency meeting on mpox spread

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WHO calls emergency meeting on mpox spread

Geneva —  World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Wednesday called an “emergency” meeting of international experts amidst growing worries over the mpox virus. With mpox spreading outside of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tedros said the WHO emergency committee would meet “as soon as possible” to advise him on “whether the outbreak represents … Read more

Department of Health calls for vigilance as cases re-emerge

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Department of Health calls for vigilance as cases re-emerge

The Department of Health calls for ongoing public vigilance against Mpox disease as two more laboratory-confirmed cases have been detected in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.  The recent cases come 26 days after the last cases of Mpox were reported in South Africa.  TWO NEW CASES OF MPOX DETECTED Department of Health spokesperson Foster Mohale said the … Read more

As mpox cases surge in Africa, few treatments and vaccines available

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As mpox cases surge in Africa, few treatments and vaccines available

BANGUI, Central African Republic —  African health officials said mpox cases have spiked by 160% so far this year, warning the risk of further spread is high given the lack of effective treatments or vaccines on the continent. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a report released Wednesday that mpox, also … Read more

Limited surveillance hampers bird flu risk assessment

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Limited surveillance hampers bird flu risk assessment

The World Health Organization said its ability to assess and manage the risk posed by H5N1 avian influenza — bird flu — cases around the world is hampered by limited surveillance of animal and human cases of the disease. At a news briefing at agency headquarters in Geneva on Thursday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus … Read more

South African authorities warn of mpox after 2 deaths

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South African authorities warn of mpox after 2 deaths

Two people have died after contracting mpox, or monkeypox, South African health authorities said Thursday. Six recent mpox cases have been confirmed in South Africa, all among men in their 30s. Officials say the two deaths are among the six cases. One of the men, a 38-year-old, died on Wednesday in eastern KawZulu-Natal province on … Read more