Africa declares smallpox a public health emergency

Between January 2022 and June this year, 99,176 cases of smallpox and 208 deaths from the disease were recorded in 116 countries. This data is contained in a report released this week by the World Health Organization.

During the same period, 10 countries accounted for 81% of cases worldwide: the United States with 33% of cases, Brazil with 11%, followed by Spain with 8%.

According to the World Health Organization, in June this year, Africa alone accounted for 60% of cases. Preliminary data from July and August indicate that the virus is spreading across the continent.

In fact, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday declared the smallpox scenario in the region a “continental public health security emergency.”

The World Health Organization called an emergency committee meeting on Wednesday to assess the smallpox scenario in Africa and the risks of the disease spreading internationally.

The Ministry of Health here in Brazil also met to address this issue and update the country’s recommendations and emergency plan for the disease.

According to the ministry, the M. pox virus currently represents a low risk to Brazil. In total, the country has already recorded 16 deaths from the disease since 2022. This year alone, there have been 709 cases.

According to the ministry, vaccination against the disease was carried out in 2023 at a time of public health emergency of international importance. If necessary, a new phase of vaccination can be started.

Smallpox is transmitted to humans through contact with infected wild animals, people with the virus, and contaminated materials. Symptoms generally include skin lesions, swelling, fever, body aches, headache, chills, and weakness.

Most treated patients recover within a month, but the disease can be fatal if left untreated.

*With information from the Brazilian Agency