The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently declared that the outbreak of monkeypox, also known as Mpox, is no longer a global emergency. This announcement comes after a year of monitoring and controlling the spread of the virus in various countries.
Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that is similar to smallpox, but less severe. It is primarily found in Central and West Africa, where it is transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals or people. Symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, and a rash that develops into pustules.
The outbreak of monkeypox was first reported in Nigeria in September 2017, and since then, cases have been reported in several other African countries, as well as in the United Kingdom and Singapore. The WHO declared a global emergency in June 2018 due to the potential for the virus to spread to other countries and cause a larger outbreak.
However, over the past year, efforts to control the spread of monkeypox have been successful. The WHO has worked with affected countries to improve surveillance and laboratory testing, as well as to educate the public about how to prevent the spread of the virus. Additionally, vaccines and treatments have been developed to help those who are infected.
As a result of these efforts, the number of reported cases of monkeypox has decreased significantly. In 2019, there were only 87 confirmed cases of monkeypox in Nigeria, compared to over 700 cases in 2018. The virus has also not spread to any new countries in the past year.
While the WHO’s declaration that monkeypox is no longer a global emergency is good news, it does not mean that the virus is no longer a concern. Monkeypox is still present in several African countries, and there is always the potential for it to spread to other regions. Therefore, continued efforts to monitor and control the virus are necessary.
In conclusion, the WHO’s announcement that monkeypox is no longer a global emergency is a positive development in the fight against this rare viral disease. However, it is important to remain vigilant and continue efforts to prevent the spread of the virus and protect public health.
