WASHINGTON, D.C. — The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to a significant surge in mpox cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and an increasing number of African countries. This recent announcement follows the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (Africa CDC) declaration of a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security on August 13.
The alarming rise in clade I mpox cases, particularly the emergence of a new sub-clade, clade Ib, poses a threat to health security both within and beyond Africa. With cases reported as far as Sweden and Thailand, associated with travel to Africa, the global community is on high alert.
In response, the Biden-Harris Administration has strengthened domestic preparedness. The United States has no known clade I mpox cases but remains vigilant through enhanced surveillance and diagnostic testing, including wastewater analysis. The administration emphasizes the importance of the JYNNEOS vaccine for those eligible and continues to disseminate guidelines to health professionals and the public.
Internationally, the U.S. government has allocated $55 million in financial aid to support Africa’s response. This includes a donation of 50,000 doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine to the DRC. Over 200 U.S. personnel, including epidemiologists and communication experts, are aiding efforts in Africa and the U.S.
The U.S. is collaborating with WHO, Africa CDC, and global partners to ensure a coordinated and effective response. The administration’s approach builds on lessons from past mpox outbreaks, striving to contain the virus and mitigate its impact worldwide.
To learn more about mpox, signs and symptoms, treatments, and prevention, visit the CDC website.
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