The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued its highest level of international alert due to a concerning rise in mpox cases across Africa.
The emergence of the Clade 1b strain, characterized by widespread skin rashes and lesions throughout the body, has heightened concerns.
Since January 2022, a total of 38,465 mpox cases, formerly known as monkeypox, have been reported in 16 African countries, resulting in 1,456 deaths.
The situation has escalated significantly in 2024, with a 160% increase in cases compared to the previous year, according to data released last week by the African Union's health agency.
The WHO is urging the international community to take immediate action to address the outbreak and prevent its further spread.
The organization emphasizes the need for increased surveillance, rapid response teams, and enhanced public health measures to contain the virus.