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Mpox emergency: What does the WHO alarm mean for Germany?
WHO declares emergency over Mpox outbreaks. What does this mean for Germany and how high is the risk? Answers here.
Mpox emergency: What does the WHO alarm mean for Germany?
Global health challenges
Mpox: Alert level worldwide – a health crisis made understandable
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the highest alert level due to new Mpox outbreaks. This comes amid increased reports from the Democratic Republic of Congo and other African countries where the disease is surging again. The declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) underscores the serious threat that the Mpox virus poses to global health.
What are Mpox?
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease characterized primarily by skin rashes. Fever and muscle pain can also occur. The WHO initially chose this name because of a link with monkeys, but is changing the nomenclature to avoid stigma associated with animals or geographical regions. The virus is related to the smallpox virus.
How common are Mpox?
In the current year, over 14,000 suspected cases and more than 500 deaths have been reported, representing alarming statistics. Experts warn that these numbers may only represent a fraction of the real incidence, as many infections go undetected and not all sufferers seek medical attention. This could result in a widespread health crisis that affects more than just Africa.
Why is the WHO declaring an emergency now?
A new variant of the Mpox virus, called Ib, is causing concern. Discovered in the Democratic Republic of Congo, this sublineage shows signs of being more contagious and causing more severe disease. What is particularly frightening is that young children are affected by this variant, which increases the mortality rate.
What about vaccinations?
There are two vaccines against Mpox, but availability is limited, particularly in Africa. To date, only 500,000 doses of the MVA-BN vaccine are available. The WHO is promoting international cooperation to provide more funding for vaccines and mobilize existing stocks. The EU has also announced that it will make doses available to advance vaccination.
What follows from a “health emergency of international scope”?
The WHO's statement initially has no direct legal consequences, but such measures serve to put global health authorities on alert. The WHO hopes for faster mobilization of financial resources to stop the spread of infection in the affected regions.
Given the impending threat to global health, it is crucial that international organizations, governments and the public work together to contain the spread of the Mpox virus and avert a potential epidemic. Only through joint efforts can the health of people worldwide be protected.
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