WHO Approves First Mpox Diagnostic Test

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the approval of the first diagnostic test for mpox, previously known as monkeypox.

This significant development comes as the disease, caused by a virus transmitted from infected animals to humans, continues to pose a serious public health threat.

Mpox can also be transmitted through close human contact, leading to symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and large boil-like lesions on the skin.

The WHO emphasized that this emergency use approval is crucial for enhancing diagnostic capabilities in countries experiencing mpox outbreaks, where the demand for rapid and accurate testing has escalated.

With over 800 deaths and more than 30,000 reported cases across Africa, the disease has been confirmed in 16 countries, severely affecting nations like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Increased testing will facilitate quicker containment measures to curb the virus's spread.

Following the WHO's endorsement, UN agencies will procure the test from Abbott Molecular, the US-based company that developed it, and distribute it to the affected regions. The Alinity m MPXV assay will enable health professionals to detect the mpox virus efficiently from samples collected from human lesions.

Abbott describes the test as a state-of-the-art molecular analyzer that delivers results in under 115 minutes.

Yukiko Nakatani, WHO’s assistant director-general, highlighted that enhancing access to quality medical products is vital for helping countries combat the virus and safeguard their populations, especially in underserved areas.