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WHO Declares Ongoing Mpox Outbreak Remains a Global Health Emergency
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that the ongoing mpox outbreak continues to constitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This decision, made by the WHO Director-General, follows advice from the International Health Regulations (2005) Emergency Committee, which convened on November 22, 2024, to re-evaluate the situation.
Worrisome Trends Driven by Clade Ib
Despite progress in controlling mpox spread, the Committee highlighted several concerning trends:
- Rising Cases: The number of mpox cases is increasing globally.
- Geographic Spread: The virus is spreading geographically, particularly involving the MPXV clade Ib.
- Operational Challenges: National responses face operational challenges requiring stronger commitments.
- Need for Coordinated Response: Sustaining a cohesive global response across countries remains crucial.
Clade Ib a Key Concern:
The Committee expressed particular concern about MPXV clade Ib, noting:
- Expanding transmission within communities beyond known sexual networks, including household spread.
- This clade’s potential for mutations leading to altered transmissibility and severity.
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Increased geographical reach, now present in multiple WHO regions.
Strengthening National and Global Efforts
The Committee called for intensified national efforts, emphasizing the need for:
- Rapid implementation of effective prevention and control measures at local levels.
- Enhancement of surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, and contact tracing.
- Improved community engagement and communication, addressing stigma and misinformation.
On the global level, the Committee stressed the need for:
- Collaborative research to better understand the evolving epidemiology of mpox, including the dynamics of clade Ib epidemiology.
- Equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics, and treatment, including support for technology transfer and regional production.
Revised Temporary Recommendations
The WHO Director-General has issued revised temporary recommendations, building upon those previously issued:
These recommendations are designed to guide countries in implementing robust prevention and response strategies, focusing on:
- Coordination: Enhanced national and global coordination, including cross-border collaboration.
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Surveillance and Laboratory Diagnostics: Strengthening surveillance systems and laboratory capacity.
- Clinical Care: Ensuring adequate clinical care, with a focus on supportive care and infection prevention and control measures.
- Vaccines:
Full vaccination coverage, including preparing successes enabling follow up and documentation of potential side effects of used products.
- International Travel:
Establishing coordinated travel protocols that balance public health considerations with the need for open borders and trade.
- Community Engagement: Addressing stigma and misinformation through community engagement.
Moving Forward
This situation requires ongoing vigilance and global collaboration.
- Stay informed about mpox through reliable sources.
- Follow local health guidelines and recommendations.
The WHO will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updated guidelines as the situation evolves.
You can find all the latest information on the WHO website.
