Epidemic of Erasure: WHO, California Turn Blind Eye to Mpox Risk

California Health Officials Downplay Mpox Risk, While Global Outbreak Ravages Africa

UPDATE: Despite California's insistence that the risk is low, the World Health Organization has declared a global health emergency as mpox outbreaks surge in Africa, with more than 17,000 cases and 500 deaths reported. [https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/08/1153176]

California health officials are downplaying the risk of mpox (formerly monkeypox) in the state, despite global outbreaks. While the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a global health emergency, California data suggests a low infection rate, with only 0.57 new infections per day as of late July [https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Mpox-Data.aspx].

"Since spring 2022, there has been an increase in mpox (formerly monkeypox) cases in many parts of the world, including here in California. Currently, the risk of getting mpox is low for the public."

— CDPH statement, downplaying the ongoing global outbreak [https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/MPOX FAQ.aspx]

California's statement comes as Africa grapples with a massive surge in cases, with more than 17,000 infections and 500 deaths reported across the continent in 2024 [https://africacdc.org/news-item/africa-cdc-declares-mpox-a-public-health-emergency-of-continental-security-mobilizing-resources-across-the-continent/]. This represents a significant increase from previous years, with global case counts also on the rise.

Mpox, caused by the mpox virus, is related to smallpox and can spread from animals to humans, as well as through human-to-human transmission. Symptoms include flu-like symptoms and a characteristic rash [https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/MPOX FAQ.aspx].

California cities like San Francisco, Long Beach, and Los Angeles have seenhigher rates of infection, with 10 or more cumulative infections per 100,000 residents [https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Mpox-Data.aspx]. However, the state's overall message remains one of reassurance, despite the global health community sounding alarms.

Mpox Spreads, California Yawns

While California health officials maintain a nonchalant tone, the reality of mpox is starkly different for those affected by the ongoing outbreaks. Mpox spreads through close contact, bites, or exposure to infected fluids [https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/monkeypox].

With global travel a constant reality, the potential for broader outbreaks remains, yet California seems content to minimize the risk. It's a familiar tale of systemic inequalities and global health disparities, as Africa once again bears the brunt of a deadly outbreak while wealthier nations look the other way.

A Wake-Up Call Ignored

California, and the US more broadly, have a responsibility to recognize the global impact of this outbreak and provide meaningful support to affected regions. Instead, they offer platitudes and half-hearted assurances.

As the death toll rises in Africa, California's complacency and privilege shine through, once again highlighting the devastating reality of unequal access to healthcare and disease control measures worldwide.

The links below provide further context and details on this ongoing crisis:

• WHO alert: [https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/08/1153176]
• Africa CDC case data: [https://africacdc.org/news-item/africa-cdc-declares-mpox-a-public-health-emergency-of-continental-security-mobilizing-resources-across-the-continent/]
• CDPH data and statements: [https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Mpox-Data.aspx], [https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/MPOX FAQ.aspx]
• Mpox transmission and symptoms: [https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/monkeypox], [https://www.cdc.gov/smallpox/index.html], [https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chickenpox/symptoms-causes/syc-20351282], [https://www.politico.eu/article/world-health-organization-who-mpox-virus-global-emergency-africa-democratic-republic-of-congo/]