The World Health Organization will convene an Emergency Committee on monkeypox, as fears grow that the virus could spread from the Democratic Republic of Congo to other African countries and beyond.
So far, monkeypox virus has been mainly active in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where – according to data WHO – has infected over 14,000 people and caused 511 deaths since the beginning of the year. The disease has long been present in the DRC, but in recent years there has been a gradual increase in cases. The current epidemic is caused by a virus called clade 1b. In the past month, 50 cases of monkeypox have been confirmed in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.
“In view of the spread of monkeypox outside the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the possibility of further international spread in Africa and beyond, I have decided to convene the Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations to advise me on whether the epidemic constitutes a public health emergency of international concern,” he said. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesushead of the WHO. He added that the committee would meet as soon as possible and would consist of independent experts from various fields.
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Monkeypox is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by a virus. The virus can also be transmitted from person to person. Monkeypox is characterized by fever, headache, muscle pain, and a rash resembling spots, making it difficult to distinguish from chickenpox. The disease is most common in Africa.
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