Monrovia, Liberia – Africa is experiencing a monkeypox virus outbreak, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The continuing mpox (previously known as monkeypox) outbreak in Africa has been deemed a global health emergency by Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO). This decision comes in the wake of a notable increase in cases, especially in Central Africa, where the virus strain known as clade Ib has appeared, which is alarming.
The monkeypox virus, which produces mpox, is related to the smallpox virus and can spread through a number of different routes, including direct skin-to-skin contact. Fever, chills, headache, enlarged lymph nodes, and muscle aches are a few of the symptoms.
The National Public Health Institute of Liberia urges everyone to take precautions against the infection, such as avoiding sexual activity. In a press statement dated August 14, 2024, NPHIL emphasized that among the preventive measures include frequent hand washing, refraining from sexual activity, and avoiding close contact with anyone who may be exhibiting Mpox signs.
The disease has been deemed endemic to the Central and Western parts of Africa, according to the World Health Organization’s July 2022 announcement of the Mpox virus outbreak on the continent.
