WHO Declares Global Health Emergency Over New Mpox Variant

A more virulent strain of the Mpox virus has emerged in Africa and been detected in Germany, prompting international concern.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to the spread of a new Mpox variant, Klade Ib, primarily in Central Africa.
The new variant, which originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been identified in Germany, marking its spread beyond Africa.
Mpox is transmitted mainly through close skin-to-skin contact, with symptoms including painful rashes, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
Current vaccines, such as Imvanex, are believed to be effective against this variant, though access remains limited in affected regions.
Germany and other countries are contributing vaccines and resources to control outbreaks in Africa, aiming to prevent global spread.