Monkeypox (mpox) is a rare yet increasingly significant infectious disease that has drawn global concern in recent years. On July 23, 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a “public health emergency of international concern” (PHEIC), a status that was maintained until May 2023 when cases appeared to be under control. Despite initial control efforts, mpox continues to spread, with over 16,000 cases reported in more than 75 countries and confirmed infections rising by 77% between late June and early July 2024, according to WHO data. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is currently facing a severe outbreak, with more than 14,000 reported cases and 524 deaths since the start of 2024—a figure that already matches the total cases for all of 2023 and includes incidents in previously unaffected provinces. The WHO has raised concerns about the virus’s increasing spread in Africa and the potential for it to cross into other continents. Due to the growing threat, the WHO recently declared mpox a PHEIC again on August 14, 2024.
If you want to better understand mpox and its global impact, our two-week online course is the perfect opportunity. You’ll explore the epidemiology of the virus, learn to identify its clinical symptoms, and differentiate it from similar diseases like chickenpox and measles. The course also covers the various routes of transmission, effective prevention, and control strategies, and addresses the stigma surrounding the disease. This course is particularly beneficial for health personnel tasked with the prevention and control of mpox, but it is also open to anyone with an interest in public health. By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge needed to protect yourself and others, contribute to public health efforts, and stay informed about this pressing global health challenge.
Enroll now on FutureLearn to gain valuable expertise in combating Mpox.
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