The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has announced plans to implement new measures in response to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recent declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) regarding the mpox outbreak in Africa. This designation, the highest level of alarm under international health law, follows recommendations from the International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee.
The HPA will conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to gauge the outbreak’s impact and formulate necessary public health strategies. These measures will aim to manage and contain the virus, focusing on mitigating risks and safeguarding public health.
The current outbreak has notably affected countries including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.
This year alone, over 14,000 cases have been reported, with 524 deaths attributed to the virus. The spread is driven by various virus clades, including the particularly aggressive clade 1b, known for its increased transmissibility and severity.
The HPA will conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to gauge the outbreak’s impact and formulate necessary public health strategies. These measures will aim to manage and contain the virus, focusing on mitigating risks and safeguarding public health.
WHO DG has declared #mpox in Africa as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). HPA is conducting risk assessment and will be advising the necessary public health measures. https://t.co/OR7eTLEasv
— Health Protection Agency (@HPA_MV) August 15, 2024
The current outbreak has notably affected countries including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.
This year alone, over 14,000 cases have been reported, with 524 deaths attributed to the virus. The spread is driven by various virus clades, including the particularly aggressive clade 1b, known for its increased transmissibility and severity.
