The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm over a resurgence of monkeypox, officially classified as mpox, declaring it an ongoing international public health emergency.WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made the announcement on November 22nd during a meeting of the Emergency Committee of the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005).
“A resurgence” of the disease, Tedros stated, is evident due to the “increase in the number of cases and the continued geographic spread.” The committee emphasized the need for a coordinated global response, highlighting that mpox continues to meet the criteria for a public health emergency of international concern.
A Growing Threat in Africa
While monkeypox is endemic in central and western Africa, cases surged exponentially in August of this year. The African Center for Disease Control and Prevention declared the expanding outbreaks a public health emergency on August 12th, reporting 541 deaths from 18,910 cases across 12 countries.
Adding to the concern, the WHO declared a resurgence of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on August 14th, noting it’s spread to neighboring nations.
Understanding Monkeypox
Monkeypox, or mpox, is an infectious disease caused by a virus. Infected individuals typically experience fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and a distinctive skin rash that can cover the entire body.
the virus was first identified in 1959 in a research colony of monkeys in Denmark, hence the name “monkeypox.” The first human case was documented in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Spain’s Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the situation regarding monkeypox, also known as mpox, following a recent increase in cases globally. While the risk to the general population in Spain remains low, authorities are taking proactive steps to prevent further spread.
Mpox, a viral disease historically associated with higher mortality rates in children, is primarily transmitted through close contact, especially during sexual activity. In 2022, the virus spread to regions where it was previously uncommon, including Europe, the United States, South America, the Middle East, and Australia.
Disease Status in Spain
In August, the Spanish Ministry of health acknowledged the rise in mpox cases worldwide and the potential for imported cases of the more virulent Clade I strain to enter Spain. ”There is the possibility of imported cases of mpox by clade I being detected in Spain,” the Ministry stated. However, they emphasized that the measures implemented since the 2022 outbreak, which saw 8,111 cases in Spain, could help limit transmission.
As of 2024, Spain has recorded 267 mpox cases, predominantly among men who have sex with men. Despite this increase, the Ministry maintains that the risk to the general population remains low due to the control measures in place.
The Ministry of Health is continuing its efforts to control the spread of mpox through several key strategies. These include maintaining a robust surveillance system for early detection of cases, implementing swift control measures, and continuing vaccination programs, particularly targeting high-risk groups such as men who have sex with men.
In August,the Ministry intensified its surveillance efforts to identify any changes in the epidemiology of the disease. Spain is also actively collaborating with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control to disseminate accurate information about transmission and prevention methods to the public.
Health officials in Spain are closely monitoring the spread of a new COVID-19 variant known as clade I. While the risk of widespread transmission within Spain was deemed low in August, experts cautioned that the likelihood of detecting imported cases could rise due to increased international travel.
“Although the risk of spreading clade I in Spain was considered low,” officials stated, “the probability of detecting imported cases could increase due to international travel.”
The emergence of new variants underscores the ongoing need for vigilance and continued public health measures, including vaccination and testing, to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
## Monkeypox Resurgence: A Global Health emergency
**world Today News:** **Dr. Emily Carter**, infectious disease specialist and professor of epidemiology at the University of California, Berkeley, joins us today to discuss the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recent declaration of monkeypox, or mpox, as a continuing public health emergency of international concern.
**World Today News:** Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us. Can you explain what prompted the WHO’s statement and what we know about the current global situation?
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me. The WHO’s declaration reflects a worrying trend of increasing mpox cases and geographic spread. while mpox is endemic in parts of central and western Africa, we’ve seen a meaningful surge in cases globally, both in countries where it’s traditionally found and in new regions. This, coupled with the virus’s potential for human-to-human transmission, raised alarm bells for the WHO.
**World Today News:** The African Center for Disease Control and Prevention also declared the mpox outbreaks a public health emergency in August. What is driving the surge in Africa, specifically?
**Dr. Carter:** Several factors contribute to the situation in Africa. Limited access to healthcare and vaccines, coupled with challenges in disease surveillance and public health infrastructure, have created conditions where mpox can spread more easily. Additionally, deforestation and human encroachment into wildlife habitats increase the risk of zoonotic transmission – transmission from animals to humans.
**World Today News:** Beyond Africa, which regions are experiencing the moast significant increases in cases?
**Dr. Carter:** We’re seeing notable increases in Europe, North America, and South America. While the virus typically spreads through close contact with an infected person or animal, some researchers are investigating the possibility of airborne transmission.More research is needed to fully understand the dynamics of mpox transmission.
**World Today News:** What are the symptoms of mpox, and how is it treated?
**Dr. Carter:** Mpox typically begins with fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. A distinctive rash, often starting on the face and spreading to other body parts, develops within one to three days of the initial symptoms. Currently, there are no specific antiviral treatments for mpox, but supportive care, such as pain relievers and fluids, can manage symptoms.
**World Today News:**
Are existing vaccines effective against mpox?
**Dr. Carter:** There.
**world Today News:** What steps can individuals take to protect themselves from mpox?
**Dr. Carter:**
**World Today News:** What
Dr. Carter: Absolutely.
**World Today News:** Dr. Carter, thank you for your time and expertise. Your insights are invaluable as we navigate this complex public health challenge.
**(Note: this is an example interview. You can adapt it further by adding specific details from the provided text, including details about Spain’s monitoring efforts and the WHO’s recommendations for a coordinated global response.)**
