The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved the first mpox diagnostic test for emergency use, expanding access to medical testing. On Thursday, WHO approved Abbott Laboratories’ PCR diagnostic test, called the Alinity MPXV assay, which detects mpox virus DNA from skin swabs. This test is for use by trained lab personnel.
WHO is also reviewing three other mpox diagnostic tests and is in talks with more companies to increase the availability of mpox diagnostic tools. Companies like Roche and Labcorp are already working to improve testing for mpox.
The Emergency Use Listing (EUL) procedure allows WHO to speed up the approval of unlicensed vaccines, treatments, and diagnostic tests during public health emergencies. In August, WHO asked manufacturers to submit their products for emergency review, especially to help low-income countries access effective diagnostics.
Since January 2022, mpox cases have been reported in 121 countries, with 103,048 confirmed cases and 229 deaths by September 2024. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), at the center of the outbreak, has received its first mpox vaccine donations.
Mpox, once called monkeypox, is a viral infection that usually goes away on its own. Symptoms include fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that lasts 2 to 3 weeks. Though most people recover, the disease can be serious for children and those with weak immune systems.
A new variant of mpox, clade Ib, is spreading more quickly than earlier strains, including through sexual activity. Scientists are still studying why this variant is affecting more women and children, especially in Africa.
(With inputs from Reuters)
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