How to Safeguard Your Kids from Mpox?, a Global Public Health Emergency Amid New Outbreak, Declared by WHO

A new and rapidly spreading variant of the mpox virus has been identified in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighboring countries, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

The WHO announced on Wednesday that mpox cases had been reported in 13 African nations, with the new variant spreading swiftly. This is the second time the organization has issued such an alert for mpox in two years.

Here, in this article, we will look at the different aspects of this outbreak and more importantly; preventive measures for kids. So, let us delve into it:

Mpox Outbreak and Response:

The outbreak initially started in the DRC with the clade I strain. However, a new variant, clade Ib, is now spreading more easily and has been detected in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.

Jean Kakuru Biyambo, a 48-year-old father of six from the Muja internally displaced person camp, is currently receiving treatment for mpox at Goma General Hospital in the DRC.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated, "Today, the emergency committee met and advised me that, in its view, the situation constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. I have accepted that advice." He added, "This is something that should concern us all."

Smallpox vaccines have proven to be effective in protecting against mpox infection. Additionally, a specialized vaccine designed to prevent both smallpox and mpox is available when needed, offering further protection against the virus.

Preventative Measures for Kids Against Mpox:

As with many infectious diseases, practicing good hygiene is essential to reducing the risk of mpox. This includes washing hands thoroughly and frequently, especially after contact with potentially contaminated surfaces or people. Wearing masks can also provide an added layer of protection, particularly in situations where close contact with others is unavoidable. Moreover, it's important to avoid direct contact with individuals or animals that are sick, as this can significantly lower the chances of transmission.
By following these preventative measures, individuals can better protect themselves and others from the spread of mpox and similar infectious diseases.

Global Coordination Efforts:

Tedros emphasized WHO's commitment to leading a coordinated global response. "WHO is committed in the days and weeks ahead to coordinating the global response, working closely with each of the affected countries, and leveraging our on-the-ground presence to prevent transmission, treat those infected, and save lives," he said.
The PHEIC declaration can accelerate research funding and the implementation of international public health measures to contain the disease. It also triggers emergency responses globally under the legally binding International Health Regulations.

Impact on Africa:

Africa's leading public health body declared an mpox emergency earlier this week, noting the alarming rate of spread. Over 17,000 suspected cases and 517 deaths have been reported on the continent this year, a 160 percent increase compared to the previous year.

Ngashi Ngongo from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention mentioned an agreement with the EU's health task force and Bavarian Nordic for an initial 215,000 vaccine doses, intending to secure two million doses by the end of the year and ten million by 2025.

Public Awareness Campaigns:

"We are also planning to saturate media channels like television and radio to ensure widespread awareness," Ngongo said, adding that 96 percent of cases are in the DRC, with 60 percent among those under 18 years old. Social media will also be utilized to reach younger audiences.

Previous Mpox Outbreaks:

A different variant of mpox-clade IIb-spread globally in 2022 through sexual contact among men who have sex with men. The WHO declared a public health emergency from July 2022 to May 2023 during this outbreak, which caused around 140 deaths out of approximately 90,000 cases.

Red Cross Involvement:

The Red Cross is scaling up preparedness measures across Africa in response to the recent outbreak. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies expressed "profound concern" about the virus's spread and pledged to play a critical role in containment efforts. The organization aims to address needs even in hard-to-reach areas where assistance is most critical.