WHO Declares Mpox a Global Health Emergency

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) outbreak in Africa a global health emergency, following a significant surge in cases and fatalities. The outbreak, driven by a new, more virulent strain known as clade Ib, primarily affects the Democratic Republic of Congo and has spread to several neighboring countries, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also declared it a continental public health emergency. Vaccine makers like Bavarian Nordic and Emergent Biosolutions have seen their shares rise due to increased demand for mpox vaccines. The virus, which causes flu-like symptoms and skin lesions, poses a higher risk to children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. Despite no current cases in the US or UK, health officials are preparing for potential outbreaks.