Lockdowns Loading?: Panic Erupts as WHO Declares Mpox a Deadly New Threat

Lockdowns Loading?: Panic Erupts as WHO Declares Mpox a Deadly New Threat

The declaration of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, as a global health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO) has sparked widespread concern and flashbacks to the COVID-19 lockdowns.

This marks the second time in three years that the WHO has made such a designation, the first being in July 2022.

Also read: Zimbabweans React To First Case Of Monkeypox Confirmed In South Africa 

WHO Declares Mpox a Deadly New Threat

The previous mpox outbreak affected nearly 100,000 people, primarily gay and bisexual men, across 116 countries, resulting in around 200 deaths. However, the current threat is even more severe. The Democratic Republic of Congo alone has reported over 14,000 mpox cases and 524 deaths since the start of the year, with women and children under 15 being the most at-risk groups.

The WHO’s designation of a “public health emergency of international concern” is intended to prompt member countries to begin preparing for the virus’s appearance and to share vaccines, treatments, and other critical resources with poorer nations.  The WHO’s announcement follows closely after the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared a “public health emergency of continental security.”

Also read: First Case Of Monkeypox Confirmed In South Africa: Here Is What You Need To Know About The Disease

Mpox Death Tolls, Signs and Symptoms

The strain of mpox currently circulating in Congo has always been more virulent, now carrying a death rate of around 3%, compared to just 0.2% in the 2022 outbreak. Symptoms include fever, respiratory issues, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that can appear on the hands, feet, chest, mouth, or genitals.

Previously, the virus primarily spread through the consumption of contaminated meat or close contact with infected animals and people. Tragically, most of the fatalities have been children. However, experts suggest that should the outbreak spread globally, children in developed countries may be less susceptible to severe illness.

Also read: Monkeypox Outbreak: WHO Advises Gay & Bisexual Men To Limit Number Of Sexual Partners

Panic Erupts as WHO Declares Mpox a Global Emergency

The news of the WHO’s mpox declaration has triggered flashbacks of the COVID-19 lockdowns among people around the world. Here are some of the reactions:

@IamTamuka:

Another pandemic looming

@_wacinga:

A bit concerned about how this might be twisted politically.

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