As infections continue to soar worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced its intention to call a new meeting of the Emergency Committee on Monkeypox under the International Health Regulations.
The WHO’s Emergency Committee unanimously decided in June that the epidemic does not yet qualify as a worldwide public health emergency.
However, speaking to the media on Wednesday, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the scope and spread of the virus continue to worry him.
Speaking to the media, Ghebreyesus stated that 58 different nations have now documented more than 6000 instances.
Additionally, Ghebreyesus stated that testing is still difficult and that he believes some infections are not being “picked up”.
According to Ghebreyesus, “Europe is the current epicentre of the outbreak, recording more than 80% of monkeypox cases globally.”
“My teams are keeping an eye on the data. The Emergency Committee will be reassembled so they can be informed about the epidemiology, course, and implementation of the monkeypox outbreak countermeasures.
If necessary, I’ll gather them in the week of July 18th.
He also informed the media that the agency is coordinating vaccine sharing with nations and vaccine producers because vaccines are currently in short supply and are crucial for those who are more likely to contract the viral disease.
In particular, WHO is collaborating closely with the LGBTQI+ community and civil society to reduce the stigma associated with the virus and disseminate knowledge so that people can protect themselves.
He praised those who made social media videos discussing their signs and experiences.
“This is a helpful way to dispel the stigma surrounding a virus that can strike anyone,”
The most recent epidemiological update indicates that 6 027 laboratory-confirmed cases of monkeypox and three fatalities have been reported to WHO from 59 countries in five WHO regions between 1 January and 4 July 2022.
Since June 27, 2022, there have been 2 614 new cases (a 77 percent increase), two additional deaths, and infections in nine new areas.
The clinical picture of monkeypox cases connected with this epidemic has been unusual since many cases in newly impacted areas are not exhibiting the historically characterized clinical picture for monkeypox, which is fever, enlarged lymph nodes, followed by a centrifugal rash.
According to data, 81 percent of cases who reported at least one symptom had a systemic rash (a widespread rash across the body), 50 percent had a fever, and 41 percent had a genital rash.