Prepare Before the Next Pandemic Hits

Target: Mandy Cohen, Director of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Goal: Invest in better protections against deadly monkeypox virus mutations.

Mpox, caused by the monkeypox virus, is an infectious disease that’s currently causing heightened concerned in central Africa. The Democratic Republic of the Congo in particular has been hard, with about 20,000 cases occurring over several months. A new form of the virus, called clade II, has demonstrated about a 10 percent mortality rate.

Symptoms of the flu-like illness include headache, fever, chills, fatigue, and body aches. While experts claim this potentially deadlier version of the virus is currently confined to central Africa, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believes it could easily travel to the United States and spread, as previous variations have done. Current testing methods, however, do not determine which variation of the virus infects a person.

This information could prove instrumental in curbing an illness scientists have identified as a global health risk. Sign the petition below to urge more investment in developing targeted and effective testing for this illness.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Dr. Cohen,

Mpox, especially the deadlier clade II mutation, poses an urgent health risk to the entire planet. As previous epidemics have proven, rigorous and efficient testing are key tools in providing valuable information and curtailing spread. Current mpox testing, however, is insufficient to identify possibly harmful variations.

Central Africa currently needs better testing and public education about prevention, but the need may soon widen in conjunction with the disease’s spread. Please help the world be prepared by funding and implementing enhanced monkeypox testing procedures.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Administracion del Principado de Asturia