🚨 **Mpox Alert:** The mpox virus (MPXV) continues to spread, posing significant challenges worldwide, especially in Africa and the UAE. According to the latest report from the World Health Organization (WHO), the situation is escalating rapidly.
Africa's Battle Against Mpox
Africa remains the hotspot for mpox infections, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Burundi, and Uganda leading the charge. Between December 23, 2024, and February 2, 2025, Uganda reported the second-highest number of confirmed cases on the continent, signaling a worrying upward trend.
The report highlights the spread of clade Ib MPXV, first identified in September 2023, which has now reached eight provinces in the DRC. This strain is causing community transmission in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zambia, making containment efforts more challenging.
Global Spread and Developments in the UAE
Beyond Africa, mpox is making its way to other regions. New travel-related cases have emerged in countries like Thailand and the United Kingdom. Notably, the UAE confirmed its first mpox case caused by clade Ib MPXV on February 7, 2025. The patient, an adult with recent travel history to Uganda, began showing symptoms on January 11, 2025, and was confirmed on January 18, 2025. They are currently receiving care in isolation.
Adding to the concern, at least seven other cases in different countries have been linked to travel from the UAE, indicating possible community transmission within the country. In the United States, the New York State Department of Health reported its first case of the new mpox strain on Tuesday, marking the fourth known case in the U.S. The other cases were reported in California, Georgia, and New Hampshire. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that the latest patient had recently traveled from East Africa.
As mpox continues to challenge global health, staying informed and following public health guidelines remains crucial. 🦠🌍
Reference(s):
Mpox outbreaks continue to challenge the world, says WHO report
cgtn.com
