The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that it has approved the use of the first diagnostic test for mpox (monkey pox - ed.), a key tool in countries battling epidemics.
According to the Center for Disease Control of the African Union, more than 800 people have died from mpox in Africa, where the disease has been officially detected in 16 countries, reported AFP.
"Approval for emergency use of the test will be critical to expanding diagnostic capacity in countries facing mpox outbreaks, where the need for rapid and accurate testing has risen sharply," the WHO said.
The test, called the Alinity m MPXV assay and manufactured by Abbott Molecular Inc., allows the detection of the mpox virus from swabs taken from human lesions.
"By detecting DNA from pustular or vesicular rash samples, laboratory and healthcare workers can efficiently and effectively confirm suspected mpox cases. Limited testing capacity and delays in confirming measles cases persist in Africa, contributing to the continued spread of the virus," the organization added.
"The approval of the test represents an important milestone in expanding testing capacity in affected countries," said Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General.
"Increasing access to quality-assured medical products is central to our efforts to help countries limit the spread of the virus and protect their populations, especially in underserved regions," stressed Nakatani.
Mpox, formerly known as monkey pox, is caused by a virus that is transmitted to humans from infected animals, but can also be transmitted from person to person through close physical contact.
It causes fever, muscle aches and large boil-like skin lesions, and can be fatal. | BGNES
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