Mpox is no longer a global health emergency, WHO announces
NBCNov 19, 2022
WHO Warns of New Mpox Strain in Africa
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Above: World Health Organization flag Image copyright: Wikimedia Commons
The Facts
Scientists from the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning Tuesday over the spread of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, in Africa, with other scientists drawing attention to a new strain found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Around 8.6K mpox cases have been reported in the DRC this year, resulting in 410 deaths. A new strain, which is a mutated version of the clade I mpox endemic seen in the DRC for decades, reportedly has a 5% fatality rate for adults and 10% for children.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
As Africa faces the brunt of the mpox outbreak, research on how to combat the virus is vital. However, with studies limited to wealthier countries, clinical trials and outbreak surveillance must be funded with a primary focus on hard-hit African countries. Poorer countries shouldn't be left helpless simply due to economic inequality.
Establishment-critical narrative
While the initial mpox outbreaks may have come from animals, it appears the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases is conducting gain-of-function research yet again. No scientist or government should be conducting studies that have the potential to make these diseases even deadlier in the face of an existing endemic in Africa.
