Why WHO Declared Monkeypox A Global Health Emergency And What Does It Say About Further Spread | FAQs Answered

New Delhi: The World Health Organization on Saturday declared monkeypox a global public health emergency of international concern and called on nations to work closely with communities of men who have sex with men and adopt measures that protect the health, human rights and dignity of affected communities. More than 16,000 cases have now been reported from 75 countries, and the outbreak has so far resulted in five deaths.Also Read – The WHO declared a ‘global health emergency of international concern’ amid rising cases of monkeypox

“We have an outbreak that is spreading rapidly around the world, through new modes of transmission, about which we understand very little, and which meet the criteria of international health regulations. For all these reasons, I have decided that the global monkeypox outbreak represents a public health emergency of international concern,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in making the announcement. Also Read – Monkeypox cases are increasing rapidly in Canada, with 681 infections confirmed so far

How does WHO declare a global health emergency?

• Ghebreyesus said that under international health rules, they need to consider five elements to determine whether an outbreak is a public health emergency of international concern.

How much risk does the WHO expect to spread?

• The WHO assessment is that the risk of monkeypox is moderate globally and in all regions, except for the European region where it assesses the risk as high.
• There is also a clear risk of further international spread, although the risk of interference with international traffic is low for the moment, the WHO chief added.

How many cases of monkeypox have there been so far?

• Ghebreyesus said that a month ago, 3,040 cases of monkeypox were reported to the WHO from 47 countries.
• Since then, the outbreak has continued, and there are now more than 16,000 reported cases and five deaths from 75 countries and territories, he said.

What are the symptoms of monkeypox?

Early symptoms of monkeypox usually include: Also Read – US health officials have confirmed 2 cases of monkeypox in children

• high fever,
• Swollen lymph nodes and cysts,
• Chickenpox-like rash or lesions – often on the mouth or genitals in recent cases.

How is monkeypox spread?

• Monkeypox virus is spread through contact with body fluids, sores, or objects such as clothing and bedding contaminated with the virus.
• It can also spread from person to person through respiratory droplets, especially in close settings, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

How serious is the infection?

• Infections are usually mild.

Who is most susceptible to infection?

Ghebreyesus said they are declaring a public health emergency of international concern, but for the moment this is an outbreak that is concentrated among men who have sex with men, especially with multiple sexual partners. That means this is an outbreak that can be stopped with the right strategies in the right groups, he said.

Which parts of the world are affected by monkeypox outbreaks?

Although monkeypox had been established for decades in parts of central and west Africa, it was not known to have a large outbreak outside the continent or spread widely among people until May, when authorities discovered dozens of outbreaks in Europe, North America and elsewhere, including a recent outbreak in India. cases.

(with inputs from PTI)