A misleading video circulating on social media platforms has caused confusion regarding the World Health Organization's (WHO) recent mpox emergency declaration. The footage, featuring Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, announcing the end of a public health emergency, is being incorrectly associated with the organization's August 14, 2024, decision.
The video in question, originally published on WHO's YouTube channel on May 15, 2023, shows Dr. Tedros stating, "I'm pleased to declare that monkeypox is NO longer a global health emergency." This announcement pertained to the conclusion of the emergency declared in July 2022, which was prompted by an outbreak of the milder clade 2b strain of mpox.
It's crucial to understand the timeline of events:
- July 2022: WHO declares initial mpox emergency
- May 15, 2023: Dr. Tedros announces end of the 2022 emergency
- August 14, 2024: WHO declares new mpox emergency due to deadlier strains
The current emergency, declared 15 days ago, remains in effect until further notice, as confirmed by a WHO spokesperson to Reuters.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the same family as smallpox. First discovered in 1958 in research monkeys, the disease has been known to affect humans since 1970. Symptoms typically include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, with an incubation period of 6 to 13 days.
The 2022 outbreak marked the first time mpox spread widely outside its endemic regions in Central and West Africa. While the milder clade 2b strain was responsible for that outbreak, the current emergency involves the more severe 1a and 1b strains.
It's worth noting that smallpox vaccination has shown approximately 85% effectiveness in preventing mpox. However, as of 2024, no specific treatment has been approved for the disease, although antiviral drugs developed for smallpox may offer some benefits.
This incident underscores the importance of fact-checking and the responsible sharing of information, especially during public health crises. As the WHO continues to monitor the situation, staying informed through official channels remains crucial for public safety and understanding.
"This article was produced by the Reuters Fact Check team. Read more about our fact-checking work."