WHO issues global alert as new mpox variant causes emergency

NEW YORK:

The World Health Organization (WHO) has once again declared mpox a global public health emergency, marking the second time in two years that the virus has reached this level of international concern. This statement comes in response to an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that quickly spread to neighboring countries, prompting the WHO’s highest level of alert.

On Wednesday, an emergency committee was convened to advise WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on whether the current outbreak meets the criteria for a “public health emergency of international concern” (PHEIC). The PHEIC designation is used by the WHO to signal the need for urgent international action, including accelerated research, funding and coordinated public health efforts to contain the disease.

Tedros stressed the importance of a global response, stating: “A coordinated international effort is vital to stop these outbreaks and save lives.” Mpox, which is spread through close contact, is generally mild but can be fatal in rare cases. The virus typically presents with flu-like symptoms and purulent skin lesions.

The current outbreak in Congo originated from an endemic strain known as clade I. However, a new variant, clade Ib, has emerged, which spreads more easily through routine intimate contact, including sexual contact. This new variant has moved beyond Congo’s borders, affecting countries such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, prompting the WHO’s urgent action.

Tedros expressed deep concern about the rapid spread of this new clade, particularly in areas that had not previously reported cases of mpox. He highlighted the potential for further spread within Africa and beyond, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

To deal with the outbreak, the WHO has already released $1.5 million in emergency funds and plans to mobilize more resources. The initial response plan will require about $15 million, and WHO plans to appeal to donors for additional support. The outbreak has been particularly severe in Congo, where Africa’s top public health agency recently declared an mpox emergency. This year alone, more than 17,000 suspected cases and more than 500 deaths, mostly among children, have been reported.

Professor Dimie Ogoina, chair of the WHO’s mpox emergency committee, described the situation as “extraordinary”, noting the record number of cases in Congo. While vaccines and behavior change previously helped contain a different strain of mpox in 2022, current transmission routes in the Congo require further investigation. WHO is working on vaccine availability and targeting and has called on countries with stockpiles to donate doses to help the response.