Context: In light of the rising number of cases of Mpox in Africa, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the disease, which was previously known as monkeypox, 'a global health emergency' on Wednesday. Following a meeting of the UN health agency's emergency committee, the announcement was made.

About Mpox (MonkeyPox)

• Description: It is a viral infection caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV). It was first reported in humans in 1970, predominantly in African regions.

• Types: There are two known types (clades) of mpox virus

• a. Clade I– It originated in Central Africa

• b. Clade II– It originated in West Africa

• Symptoms: Fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, swollen lymph nodes, and pox-like rashes which last for about 2-3 weeks.

• Transmission: It can spread from animals to humans (zoonotic transmission) or between humans (through direct contact with body fluids or sexual contact).

Why has become Mpox ( MonkeyPox) Public Health Emergency of International Concern?

• Discovery of New type/Clade (Clade Ib): This new variant, Clade Ib, is spreading more through sexual contact, unlike previous strains that mainly spread through animal-to-human transmission.

• Exponential increase in Spread: Over 99,000 cases and 208 deaths have been reported globally since 2022. The virus has been mutating and diversifying, making it harder to control.

• New areas of Geographic Spread: New cases of Clade Ib have been reported in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. These are the countries that previously did not have mpox cases.

Vaccines and Preventative Measures being taken

• Two vaccines are recommended by WHO for mpox. WHO is working to ensure vaccines are available in low-income countries through emergency listings and partnerships.

• WHO and health experts emphasize the need for a coordinated global response to prevent further spread and potential fatalities.