What is mpox

2024 - 8 - 17

Mpox: From Africa to Singapore - Here’s Why We Should Care!

Mpox -- mpox vaccine Bavarian Nordic - monkeypox - mpox - pandemic preparedness - public health emergency - travel health measures - world health organization - Mpox - mpox vaccine

What is Mpox, and why should we be on alert in Singapore? Get the lowdown on this virus and why health experts are keeping a close eye on it.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has been making headlines recently due to a concerning rise in cases across various parts of the globe, particularly in Africa. Singapore's Health Minister Ong Ye Kung addressed this issue during an event, emphasizing that while the immediate risk in Singapore is currently low, the potential for cases to arise remains. Understanding Mpox is crucial, especially as the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared ongoing outbreaks—including those in Congo and surrounding areas—a global health emergency. With over 14,000 cases and 524 deaths reported in Africa this year alone, the implications of this virus extend beyond one continent, warranting a comprehensive global response.

As health authorities scramble to contain the virus, Danish biotech firm Bavarian Nordic announced plans to ramp up production of its Mpox vaccine. This move is part of a broader strategy in collaboration with international health organizations, showcasing the urgency for proactive measures worldwide. With rising numbers in India—over 99,000 cases and 200 deaths reported since 2022—countries are urged to remain vigilant. As Singaporeans, it’s imperative to stay informed about Mpox while contributing to a culture of preparedness. The situation is a stark reminder that health challenges can easily travel across borders, and our interconnectedness makes global health security everyone’s business.

To spice things up, Europe is now on alert after Pakistan reported its first confirmed case. The WHO is proactively urging pharmaceutical firms to boost vaccine production, while China has started screening travelers amidst rising alarm levels. This interconnected series of events highlights that Mpox could present a risk not just in Africa or Singapore, but globally. Stories like this show how a single virus can set off a chain reaction, impacting international health policies and local readiness alike.

As we monitor developments, it’s vital to recognize the role public health organizations play in managing outbreaks. Underestimating potential health threats like Mpox may lead to detrimental outcomes in future preparedness scenarios. Importantly, local healthcare systems can learn and strengthen their responses by analyzing how other countries, such as India and Pakistan, are navigating their Mpox cases and outbreaks.

Did you know that the International Red Cross is intensifying its response efforts in Africa as Mpox cases escalate? Or that the WHO has labeled mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern since 2022? Awareness and action today could safeguard our health tomorrow!

Post cover
Image courtesy of "CNA"

Low immediate risk of mpox, but Singapore likely to see cases due ... (CNA)

Speaking at an Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) event in Sembawang on Saturday (Aug 17), Health Minister Ong Ye Kung noted that the current risk is ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Failure to deal with mpox outbreak 'is risk not just to Africa but whole ... (The Guardian)

Health leaders warn that global response to virus is test case for equity and preparation for future pandemics.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Reuters"

Bavarian Nordic to ramp up production of mpox vaccine (Reuters)

Danish biotech firm Bavarian Nordic said on Saturday it plans to ramp up production of its mpox vaccine and work with international health organisations to ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Voice of America"

What is mpox, where are the outbreaks and will the virus spread? (Voice of America)

The WHO says there have been more than 14000 cases and 524 deaths in Africa this year.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Hindustan Times"

Mpox Virus: Know about the outbreak and what it means for India (Hindustan Times)

Mpox outbreak is on the rise, with over 99000 cases and 200 deaths reported since 2022. The WHO declares it a Public Health Emergency of International ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Korea Times"

Will mpox trigger another pandemic? (Korea Times)

The World Health Organization has declared the ongoing outbreaks of mpox in Congo and elsewhere in Africa to be a global emergency, requiring urgent action ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "CollingwoodToday"

Mpox risk is low for now, but spread is concerning: Simcoe-Muskoka ... (CollingwoodToday)

"The current upsurge of mpox in parts of Africa, along with the spread of a new sexually transmissible strain of the monkeypox virus, is an emergency, not only ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "AzerNews"

International Red Cross scales up mpox response in Africa as ... (AzerNews)

This week, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) declared mpox a public health emergency of ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Indian Express"

Health ministry reviews mpox situation, risk of large outbreak ... (The Indian Express)

Since WHO first declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern in 2022, a total of 30 cases were detected in India with the last ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Hindu BusinessLine"

Mpox News Today: Mpox surveillance and management measures ... (The Hindu BusinessLine)

Mpox News: India remains Mpox-free with surveillance measures in place, as WHO declares it a global health emergency.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Voice of America"

Europe warned to prepare for mpox as Pakistan reports first case (Voice of America)

The World Health Organization urged pharmaceutical firms to ramp up vaccine production and China said it would screen travelers for the disease after the first ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "africacdc.org"

Statement by His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa, the African ... (africacdc.org)

In my role as the African Union (AU) Champion on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response (PPPR), I have been closely monitoring the evolving Mpox ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Firstpost"

Pakistan fails to find the patient with mpox after detecting the case ... (Firstpost)

Earlier this week, Pakistan's health department confirmed one case of mpox was detected in northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The authorities noted that this ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Independent"

Pakistan admits it cannot find mpox patient as tighter screening to be ... (The Independent)

Officials yet to confirm whether patient is infected with new deadlier variant known as clade 1b.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Fortune"

Pakistan starts screening all travelers for mpox after WHO declares ... (Fortune)

Pakistan has found 11 cases in more than a year, with the latest infection confirmed on Aug. 13 in a 34-year-old male who arrived from Saudi Arabia.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "OrilliaMatters"

Mpox risk is low for now, but spread is concerning: local doc (OrilliaMatters)

"The current upsurge of mpox in parts of Africa, along with the spread of a new sexually transmissible strain of the monkeypox virus, is an emergency, not only ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "KGO-TV"

It's still too early to worry about newest mpox variant, Bay Area ... (KGO-TV)

Medical experts in the Bay Area say it's too early to start worrying about the latest mpox outbreak.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "ABC News"

What challenges are there in limiting the spread of mpox? (ABC News)

Katharina Schroeder from Save The Children describes the challenges in limiting the spread of mpox, as the World Health Organisation labels the disease a ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "CBS San Francisco"

Mpox surge in Africa called international public health emergency (CBS San Francisco)

Health officials around the world are keeping a close eye on an outbreak of mpox, formerly called monkeypox, in Africa.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Business Standard"

Prithviraj Chavan seeks mpox testing, quarantine protocol at ... (Business Standard)

Amid concerns over Monkeypox, Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan has written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, demanding strict testing and ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Japan Times"

Japanese government considers taking precautions against mpox (The Japan Times)

Senior officials agreed to collect data on infection situations in countries where mpox outbreaks — formerly known as monkeypox — have been confirmed.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Times of India"

Can Mpox become the new Covid? Here's how the infection is ... (Times of India)

The World Health Organization declared it a global health emergency. Mpox spreads through contact with infected animals or humans, and preventive measures are ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Indian Express"

Mpox declared a global health emergency: will it trigger another ... (The Indian Express)

While it seems unlikely, the outbreaks in Africa and Europe have put health authorities on high alert, pushing for urgent action to curb the virus' ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Pan American Health Organization"

Epidemiological Update Mpox in the Americas Region - 17 August ... (Pan American Health Organization)

On 14 August 2024, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) determined that the resurgence of Mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Straits Times"

Philippines detects first mpox case since start of 2024, yet to ... (The Straits Times)

The patient was a 33-year-old Filipino male who had no travel history outside the country. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Meetings & Conventions Asia"

What is mpox, and what do event planners need to know? (Meetings & Conventions Asia)

As a new strain of Mpox triggers a global health emergency, event planners must stay informed and prepared.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Straits Times"

How the world sleepwalked into the global mpox emergency (The Straits Times)

As the virus was ravaging Congo, the world's response had been slow and uneven. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "CNBC"

Mpox outbreak: Here's how Asian nations have reacted to WHO ... (CNBC)

China's customs authorities announced they will strengthen surveillance at ports of entry. Monkeypox virus particles, illustration.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Aljazeera.com"

Philippines reports new mpox case with no history of foreign travel (Aljazeera.com)

Health officials say 33-year-old male patient from Manila experienced fever before developing a 'distinct' skin rash.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "World Economic Forum"

Discover the must-read health stories of the past fortnight (World Economic Forum)

WHO says mpox outbreak is a global health emergency; CEPI, WHO urge better preparedness for the next pandemic; Blood test could predict Alzheimer's risk.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Africanews English"

Mpox: Understanding the global emergency and the risks ahead ... (Africanews English)

The World Health Organization has declared the ongoing outbreaks of monkeypox (MPOX) in Congo and elsewhere in Africa a global emergency, requiring urgent ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "CNBCTV18"

Philippines detects new mpox case, first since December 2023 (CNBCTV18)

The Philippines has detected a new case of the mpox virus in the country, the first since December last year. Sweden and Pakistan have also reported mpox ...

Mpox or monkeypox: what you need to know (UNRIC.org)

Monkeypox is an infectious disease caused by a virus transmitted to humans by infected animals, but it can also be transmitted from human to human through close ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Aljazeera.com"

Armed with experience treating COVID and Ebola, DRC medics take ... (Aljazeera.com)

The mpox outbreak puts pressure on a region already struggling with a lack of medicines and an ongoing armed rebellion.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Nation Thailand"

Warning issued on Mpox outbreak (Nation Thailand)

Professor Dr Yong Poovorawan, head of the Clinical Virology Specialised Centre, Chulalongkorn University, on Monday, posted a warning on Facebook regarding ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Reuters"

Philippines detects first mpox case this year, yet to determine strain (Reuters)

MANILA, Aug 19 (Reuters) - The Philippines has detected a new case of the mpox virus in the country, the first since December last year, ...

Explore the last week