Mpox

The 2026 Annual Threat Assessment warns of escalating global threats: a five-fold rise in missiles targeting the US, Iran seeking revenge, North Korea’s expanding arsenal, and China’s race for AI dominance. While highlighting persistent cyber, space, and nuclear challenges, the report credits Trump for border security and de-escalation efforts, noting that technological competition, pandemics, and geopolitical instability increasingly shape American security risks.

The WHO declared mpox a global health emergency due to an outbreak from a new strain affecting various countries, predominantly in Africa. The Democratic Republic of Congo has reported the majority of cases, with the virus also identified in 12 other African nations and beyond. The outbreak includes severe symptoms and significant concern globally.

Health officials detect Clade 1 mpox in Pierce County wastewater samples. This discovery suggests undiagnosed cases in the community. Experts now monitor the situation. The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department collaborates with the CDC. They increase wastewater testing. This action aims to track disease spread. Public health vigilance supports proper safety.

mpox virus has affected 115 countries and has been declared a Global Health Emergency by WHO. It can spread through direct contact and contaminated objects. Though the smallpox vaccine offers some protection against mpox, it is not absolute. High-risk groups are advised to take the mpox vaccine as newer specific vaccines are limited.

The African CDC has warned that the mpox outbreak remains uncontrolled, with most deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A highly contagious clade 1b variant has now been detected in the UK. mpox spreads primarily through close contact with infected individuals, and its symptoms include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.

Africa CDC declared a public health emergency due to the rapid spread of a deadly mpox strain. With 38,465 cases and 1,456 deaths reported, the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo is alarming. mpox has spread to 10 countries, including Kenya, Burundi, and Rwanda, raising significant health concerns across the continent.

Cases of mpox, triggered by the Clade 1B strain, have been rising in Africa and globally. Thailand, along with other countries, reported infections. Symptoms in children include flu-like signs, rashes, and swollen glands. WHO emphasized close contact as a primary transmission method, stressing early recognition in children for better management.

The World Health Organization has declared mpox a public health emergency amid rising cases in Africa. Indian health officials report a low risk of a large-scale outbreak within the country, with the last case reported in Kerala in March 2024. Pregnant women are advised to take precautions against this viral infection for their safety and that of their babies.

Canada has confirmed its first case of Clade I mpox, a more transmissible and severe strain, in a person in Manitoba. The case is linked to an outbreak in central and Eastern Africa. The Public Health Agency of Canada says the risk to the general population remains low.

Thiruvananthapuram international airport has initiated passenger screenings for mpox after a confirmed case in Malappuram. A health desk at the arrival terminal will identify those with symptoms for isolation and testing. Similar measures are implemented at Chennai and Bengaluru airports. The Union government has advised states to commence mpox screenings.

The WHO has urgently approved Abbott Laboratories' mpox diagnostic test amid rising global cases. The Alinity m MPXV assay detects the virus from skin lesion swabs, aiding rapid testing in outbreak regions. It marks a crucial step in controlling the spread, especially in underserved areas. Vulnerable groups, including children and those with weakened immune systems, face higher risks.

mpox, caused by the mpox virus, resembles smallpox but is generally milder. The disease spreads through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials. Recent outbreaks highlight the importance of accurate information and public health measures. Effective treatments and vaccines exist, though it is not considered a major public health crisis.

COVID-19 has significantly impacted immune systems, increasing vulnerability to infections such as mpox. Following India's first suspected mpox case this year, the government has intensified safety measures. It's crucial to understand COVID-19's effects on immunity and adopt preventive strategies to mitigate health risks.

mpox cases have risen by 500% in Africa this year, driven by the new Clade Ib strain, which is more deadly and infectious. With 48,000 suspected cases and 1,048 deaths reported in 19 countries, the outbreak remains uncontrolled. WHO declared a global health emergency in August to curb its spread.

A deadly strain of mpox from Central Africa, Clade 1B, has killed at least 450 in the Democratic Republic of Congo and spread to Sweden, Pakistan, and other countries. The World Health Organization declared it a global health emergency. mpox spreads through contact with infected animals or humans, and preventive measures are urged.

China announced it would screen people and goods entering the country for mpox, following the WHO's declaration of a global health emergency. Those traveling from affected areas should declare themselves to customs. The virus has spread through Africa, and the WHO warned of likely cases in Europe. mpox is transmitted through close physical contact.

A recent case of the more severe Clade I mpox strain has been identified in California, marking the first instance in the United States. The infected individual had recently traveled to East Africa and is currently isolated at home. While health officials are conducting contact tracing, no community transmission is suspected.

The World Health Organization said on Monday it would start using a new preferred term, "mpox", as a synonym for monkeypox and urged others to follow suit after receiving complaints that the current name for the disease was racist and stigmatising. "Both names will be used simultaneously for one year while 'monkeypox' is phased out," the WHO said in a statement.

mpox cases surged in Central and East Africa, including the Philippines, Sweden, and Pakistan, caused by a new strain. Recovery involves hydration, protein-rich diets, immunity-boosting foods, soft foods, probiotics, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Essential measures include consuming fluids, proteins, and immunity-enhancing spices for a more rapid recovery.

HEALTH-mpox-Philippines says two new mpox cases are milder variant

The World Health Organisation has granted its first authorisation for an mpox vaccine in adults, produced by Bavarian Nordic A/S. This marks a significant step in combating the disease, especially in Africa. The two-dose vaccine is approved for those aged 18 and above, with limited supplies available. WHO aims to ensure fair distribution of vaccines.

mpox cases in India have been limited to 30 since 2022, with one death. The last infection was detected in March 2024, showing no expansive spread. The virus's lower transmission rate and the need for prolonged close interaction make widespread outbreaks less likely. Residual immunity from past smallpox vaccinations may protect older individuals. According to WHO, the re-emergence of mpox might be due to a combination of environmental and ecological changes.

A health expert noted that there is no reason to panic over mpox in India, with only 30 infections reported since 2022 and one reported death. The virus primarily spreads through close contact, making widespread transmission challenging. Residual immunity from previous smallpox vaccinations may also be helping in containment efforts.

The World Health Organization declared mpox outbreaks in Congo and other African nations a global emergency, with over 99,000 cases and 208 fatalities between January 2022 and June 2024. A more transmissible viral strain is spreading, causing severe illness. Lack of vaccine equity has exacerbated the situation. Recent agreements aim to improve vaccine distribution in affected regions.

A new case of severe Clade Ib mpox has been detected in East Sussex, confirming the individual had recently returned from Uganda. This is the sixth case in England since October 2024. Close contacts are being monitored and offered testing and vaccination. mpox spreads through close contact and presents symptoms like rash, fever, and muscle aches.

The Pakistan government formulated a policy to address the mpox virus after only one case was reported. Surveillance and screening procedures were instated at entry points, with laboratories allocated for diagnosis. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered strict vigilance and an awareness campaign. Public isolation and prompt doctor consultation were advised for symptomatic individuals.

The virus, which was once confined to isolated regions in Central and West Africa, has now begun to spread to other continents, prompting health authorities worldwide to ramp up surveillance, preventive measures, and vaccine production efforts.

Pakistan confirmed its third M-Pox virus case at Peshawar airport. Two suspected patients have been hospitalized, including a stable man from Orakzai. The new Clade 1b variant has heightened global concerns. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department has established a surveillance and response system to tackle M-Pox.

In the last week, Congo reported over 1,000 new mpox cases as African health authorities urgently sought vaccines to combat its expanding threat. The World Health Organisation declared the outbreaks a global emergency. Congo has reported the majority of cases and deaths. Limited testing hampers accurate statistics.

A cousin of the smallpox virus, mpox has mostly been confined to developing countries for years. The pathogen typically causes flu-like symptoms, followed by a rash that often starts on the face and spreads down the belly. The illness often lasts for two weeks to a month, and can be deadly.