In August, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the current mpox (formerly monkeypox) outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, based on the identification of a more aggressive strain of the virus that causes the disease, the rising number of cases in Africa, and the risk of global spread. “It is clear that a coordinated international response is needed to stop these outbreaks and save lives,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus. This is the second emergency related to mpox; the first was in place between July 2022 and May 2023. In 2024, the number of cases worldwide has already exceeded the 2023 total, with more than 14,524 deaths. There have been 709 cases of the disease and 16 deaths in Brazil this year, far fewer than the 10,000 cases reported in 2022. Transmission occurs through contact with animals or people infected with the virus or contaminated materials. Symptoms include a rash or skin lesions, fever, body pain, headaches, chills, and fatigue (Agência Brasil, August 12; Pan American Health Organization, August 14).
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