Mitchell Dzoro
Scientists from the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have declared Mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS).
Mpox is a highly infectious disease formerly known as monkey pox, and the Africa CDC has revealed that the new strain of Mpox Is spreading at an alarming rate.
According to the 35th World Health Organization (WHO) report, since the beginning of 2024, more than 13 700 cases and 450 deaths have been recorded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Speaking during a live address on Tuesday, Africa CDC director-general, Jean Kaseya officially declared the Mpox outbreak a state of emergency, citing the urgency of the situation.
“This declaration highlights the urgency and gravity of the situation, demanding immediate and coordinated action across Africa. We are mobilizing all available resources, working closely with Member States, strengthening partnerships, and intensifying efforts to contain and mitigate the impact of Mpox,” Kaseya said.
Kaseya went on to warn the public that if the disease can spiral, it should be attended to immediately.
“This declaration is not merely a formality. It is a clarion call to action. It is a recognition that we can no longer afford to be reactive. We must be proactive and aggressive in our efforts to contain and eliminate this threat,” he said.
According to research, Mpox is a kind of virus, like smallpox and cowpox, that causes a rash followed by lumps on the skin .With mpox, the pimples fill up with fluids and eventually scab over.
The virus spreads through the sharing of utensils, plates, clothes, or bedding with infected people. The virus spreads quickly because of its longer incubation period and vague symptoms.The incubation period ranges from approximately five to 21 days.