The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to the ongoing mpox outbreak, primarily caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV) clade IIb. The Democratic Republic of the Congo was first affected in 2022 and has since reported steady increases in cases. In early 2024, a new strain, subclade Ib, was identified in neighboring countries.
WHO’s Director-General declared PHEIC on August 14, 2024, citing concerns over the virus’s spread across multiple regions. The declaration aims to prompt global response efforts and control measures to prevent further transmission.
Key goals of mpox surveillance, case investigation, and contact tracing include detecting and containing outbreaks, stopping human-to-human transmission, and protecting vulnerable groups like frontline health workers. These actions involve:
* Reporting suspected cases to national public health authorities
* Providing accurate information to those at risk
* Offering pre- and postexposure vaccination
* Stopping further spread
* Protecting vulnerable individuals
To combat the outbreak, clinicians are instructed to report suspected mpox cases immediately. Confirmed cases of clade Ib MPXV should be reported to WHO through IHR notification as soon as they’re detected.
Contact identification and tracing is crucial in preventing transmission. Contacts must self-monitor daily for 21 days from last contact with an infectious case or contaminated materials, following strict hygiene practices and avoiding high-risk activities during this period.
Source: https://reliefweb.int/report/world/surveillance-case-investigation-and-contact-tracing-mpox-monkeypox-interim-guidance-27-november-2024