On 15 August, Egypt intensified health protocols at all airports, seaports, and land crossings after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).  

During today’s cabinet meeting, Abdel-Ghaffar provided an update on these ongoing efforts.  

He presented an overview of Egypt's current monkeypox status, highlighting daily monitoring and the readiness of rapid response teams with available diagnostic tools. 

These efforts include ensuring the effective implementation of health precautions across all entry points. 

Furthermore, the health minister outlined the national preventive system, focusing on preparedness, prevention, early detection, and immediate response to health threats.  

This approach includes monitoring food and water safety, environmental surveillance, and managing hazardous waste, all to build a resilient health system and safeguard public health. 

Abdel-Ghaffar noted that, as of 14 August 2024, global cases surpassed 99,500, with 207 reported fatalities. 

He also addressed the virus's spread in Africa, noting a significant geographical expansion in July and August 2024. 

What is Mpox?
 

According to WHO, Mpox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus. It was first discovered in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).  

The disease has two distinct genetic clades, Clade I and Clade II, which differ in their geographic distribution, severity, and transmission characteristics, disclosed by the health organization. 

A multi-country outbreak in July 2022 prompted the WHO to declare it PHEIC due to its rapid spread, particularly through sexual contact, in unaffected regions. 

The WHO advises against travel restrictions but recommends enhanced surveillance and screening to manage the virus. 

Symptoms
 

The monkeypox virus causes full-body lesions.  

It spreads by close contact, primarily through direct interaction with skin rashes, contaminated clothing or bedding, or respiratory droplets from an infected person. 

Mpox infections typically cause a painful rash and blisters on the palms. 

Situation in Africa
 

According to a statement by Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on 17 August, Africa recorded 3,101 confirmed and 15,636 suspected cases. Approximately 541 people have died from the virus in Africa (2.89 percent of infected cases). 

The DRC, where the new Clade 1b strain was first detected in September 2023, remains the hardest-hit country with 1,005 cases (222 confirmed vs. 783 suspected) and 24 deaths reported in just one week, according to the CDC.