Why it matters: A sharp drop is a win.
The WHO declaration acknowledges that the world has successfully managed the global spread of infection while still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Like when the new coronavirus began to spread, the initial response to the outbreak was disappointing. However, most countries were able to bring the epidemic under control through a combination of vaccination and behavioral change in affected communities.
Mpox is the second global emergency for WHO in two years and the seventh since 2007. The WHO removed the novel coronavirus from its designation last week, a major but largely symbolic milestone.
Background: Mpox surprised the world.
In July 2022, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared mpx a global emergency, overturning an advisory committee that was unable to reach agreement. By that point, the epidemic had swelled to more than 16,000 cases and five deaths in 75 countries.
The current world toll is 87,000+ 140 people died in 111 countries.
Globally, about 84% of those infected were men who had sex with men. His Mpox, about half of whom were also HIV-infected, was especially dangerous for those with HIV who frequently became severely ill. About 15 percent of people with progressive HIV who became seriously ill with mpox died.
What’s next: Viruses are not gone.
Health experts fear the virus could spread again this summer, especially after Pride events scheduled around the world over the next few weeks. Last year’s outbreaks followed mass rallies in Spain and Belgium.
In some countries, particularly in the Western Pacific region, seen a rise Mexico reported 12 new deaths after 25 April, with cases rising. In the United States, Chicago authorities are investigating eight new cases, the most since November.
Dr Tedros told a meeting of the WHO Emergency Committee on Wednesday that “countries must maintain their capabilities, continue their efforts, assess risks, quantify their need for response and act swiftly if necessary.” remains important,” he said.
