WHO declares monkeypox a health emergency

According to VNA, on August 14, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global public health emergency due to monkeypox in Africa.

“Today, the expert committee met urgently and informed me that, in their view, this situation constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. I have accepted that advice,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a press conference.

Also according to Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the expert committee has made recommendations on the use of mpox vaccines in the near future.

Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Mr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Photo: VNA

The meeting, which brought together 16 international experts, came after the African Union's (AU) health watchdog declared a continental public health emergency over the outbreak. Monkeypox spread throughout the Democratic Republic of Congo before spreading to other countries, where the virus was first discovered in humans in 1970.

According to the Africa CDC, from January 2022 to August 4, the continent had 38,465 cases of monkeypox and 1,456 deaths. Affected countries include Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, Uganda and Kenya.

Medical staff take a blood sample from a baby who came into contact with a monkeypox patient in Zomea Kaka, Central African Republic. Photo: VNA

Monkeypox has a wide range of signs and symptoms. Some people have only mild symptoms, but others have more severe symptoms and need medical care. People at high risk for severe illness or complications include pregnant women, children, and people with weakened immune systems. Typical symptoms of monkeypox include fever, throbbing headache, muscle aches, back pain, weakness, and increased white blood cells.

In July 2022, WHO declared monkeypox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) and reaffirmed this status in November 2022 and February 2023. In May 2023, WHO lifted the PHEIC for monkeypox. A PHEIC is the highest level of alert that WHO can issue, triggering emergency responses in countries around the world under the legally binding International Health Regulations.

VNA

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/who-ban-bo-tinh-trang-khan-cap-ve-suc-khoe-vi-dau-mua-khi-post754112.html