The World Health Organization on Thursday declared ampox a public health emergency of international concern amid an outbreak in Congo. More than 27,000 cases and nearly 1,100 deaths have been recorded since January 2023, as the African nation grapples with its worst outbreak. The situation has also sparked global concern in recent months due to the rapid spread of a new virus.
Two types of the monkeypox virus are now spreading in Congo, according to officials – the endemic form as well as a new and lesser-known subtype. It is spreading through sexual contact as well as other close contact – such as among children in displacement camps in parts of Congo – and has now spread from eastern Congo to Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi and Kenya.
The WHO announcement comes just days after the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention issued a similar label. A “public health emergency of international concern” is the highest form of alert that can be shared by the international health body.
How is ampox spread?
Ampox can spread from person to person through direct contact, such as infected skin or other lesions on the mouth or genitals. Infection can also occur through the use of contaminated items such as clothing or linens or in community settings such as tattoo parlors.
Animal-to-human transmission of ampox occurs through bites or scratches from infected animals to humans, or during activities such as hunting, skinning, trapping, cooking, playing with carcasses, or eating animals.
what are the symptoms?
Symptoms of ampox may appear 1 to 21 days after exposure. Common signs include rash, fever, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. Symptoms usually last 2-4 weeks, but may last longer for people with weakened immune systems.
(with inputs from agencies)
