The UN health agency announced on Friday the approval of the first diagnostic test for mpox, offering a crucial tool for countries grappling with the disease.
In Africa, mpox has claimed more than 800 lives and has been confirmed in 16 countries, according to the African Union’s disease control center.
The World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted that the test’s “emergency use approval” will significantly enhance diagnostic capabilities in nations dealing with mpox outbreaks, where there is an increasing demand for swift and accurate testing.
Manufactured by Abbott Molecular Inc., the test, known as the Alinity m MPXV assay, detects the mpox virus from swabs taken from skin lesions.
The WHO emphasized that by identifying DNA from pustular or vesicular rash samples, healthcare workers can efficiently confirm suspected mpox cases, making diagnosis more accessible and accurate.
However, Africa has faced challenges with limited testing capacity and delays in confirming cases, which has contributed to the virus’s spread, the agency noted.
The approval of this test marks a pivotal moment in expanding testing availability, especially in affected regions. Yukiko Nakatani, WHO’s assistant director-general, stated that increasing access to quality medical products is crucial to helping countries control the spread of mpox, particularly in underserved areas.
Mpox, formerly called monkeypox, is a viral disease transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals but can also spread between people through close physical contact. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and painful skin lesions, which can be fatal in severe cases.
