Africa has declared smallpox a public health emergency.

Africa has declared smallpox a public health emergency on the continent. After finding tens of thousands of infected people in many countries And hundreds of people have died.

On Tuesday, August 13, 2024, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (ACDC), the highest public health agency in Africa, announced that “Mpox” (formerly known as “Smallpox”) is a health emergency public on the continent after the number of infected people increased rapidly

ACDC scientists say they are concerned about the rapid spread of the new MPox strain that is currently circulating. Declaring a public health emergency allows multiple governments to work together to respond and increase the transport of medical supplies and aid to affected areas.

There are serious incidents in many countries in Africa, including Burundi, Central African Republic, Kenya and Rwanda, but the Democratic Republic of Congo is the most severe. (DR Congo) More than 13,700 people have been infected and 450 people have died since 2024.

Dr. Jean Caseya, director of ACDC, warned that the outbreak of smallpox could get out of control. If appropriate measures are not taken to control it immediately,

“This announcement is not just a ceremonial announcement. Rather, it is a clarion call to action. It is a recognition that we can no longer be defensive, we must be proactive and aggressive in trying to control and eliminate this threat,” said Dr. Kasaya.

Public health agencies in other regions are also monitoring the situation of smallpox outbreaks in Africa. To assess the level of risk that the disease will spread to other areas on July 29, The European Center for Disease Control and Prevention says that Europe is still at a very low risk from MPox .

However, the smallpox virus can be transmitted from animals to humans. and people to people Through close contact with an infected person including sexual intercourse, skin contact and breathing close to each other The common symptoms are fever, muscle pain. and there are lumps all over the body If left untreated It can cause death.

As far as we know, there are currently two main types of monkeypox circulating. The first type is less harmful. And it is the same one that caused the world revolution in 2022, affecting Europe, Australia, the United States, and many other countries. Mostly transmitted through sexual contact.

The other sex is much more violent. and has become an endemic disease in the Central African region. And it is the pressure that caused the subspecies that is currently circulating in DR Congo.

Currently, there are 3 vaccines available to prevent smallpox, but they are usually given to people who are at high risk of getting the disease. Or people who have close contact with sick people only, Dr. Kasaya said that they plan to receive 10 million doses of the vaccine to prevent the spread of the disease in Africa.