WHO maintains recommendations for smallpox control in Africa for another year

illness

Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease. Transmission to humans can occur through contact with infected wild animals, people with the virus, and contaminated materials. Symptoms generally include rash or skin lesions, swollen lymph nodes (tongues), fever, body aches, headache, chills, and weakness.

The spots may be flat or slightly raised, filled with clear or yellowish fluid, and may form crusts that dry and fall off. The number of lesions can range from a few thousand to thousands. The rash tends to be concentrated on the face, hands, and soles of the feet, but it can occur anywhere on the body, including the mouth, eyes, genitals, and anus.

First emergency

In May 2023, about a week after the COVID-19 status change, the WHO declared that smallpox no longer constituted a public health emergency of international concern. The body had declared a public health emergency in July 2022 due to the outbreak in several countries.

“As with COVID-19, the end of the emergency does not mean the work is done. Smallpox remains a major public health challenge that requires a strong, proactive and sustained response,” declared then-Director-General of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.