IB3 News | WHO declares global health emergency over monkeypox resurgence

The virus variant causing the most deaths in Africa has not yet left the continent

The World Health Organization has declared a public health emergency of international concern over the resurgence of the tick, which has already affected 18 countries in Africa, causing more than 15,000 cases and 461 deaths. This is the second time since 2022 that the WHO has declared a public health emergency of international concern over monkeypox. After the expert committee meeting, WHO Secretary-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced: “The Emergency Committee met today and recommended to me that, in their view, the situation should be considered a public health emergency of international scope.”

The situation in Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where 90% of cases occur, has been monitored during this time and alerts have been raised as the number of cases and fatalities has increased. The alert on Monday was continental, but today it has become international due to the possibility that the monkeypox virus has left Africa. In fact, there are two different types of this virus currently circulating. The virus that affects 18 countries in Africa is more deadly than the one that has been present in Europe since 2022. “In the coming days and weeks, WHO is committed to coordinating the global response by working with each of the affected countries and leading counterterrorism efforts,” said the WHO Director-General. “Being on the ground to prevent transmission, treat patients and save lives.”

Spain is the European country with the highest number of confirmed cases of the variant with a low death rate. More than 8,000 people have been notified, 264 of them this year. That is why the Ministry of Health is asking the target groups to get vaccinated and complete the guidelines.