The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved the first diagnostic test for mpox, describing it as a significant milestone, as the results can be immediately known.
The global health body says this development could prove pivotal in helping to stop the rising global cases of the deadly virus.
Noting that it is “a significant milestone,” WHO’s assistant director-general, Yukiko Nakatani, added, “Increasing access to quality-assured medical products is central to our efforts in assisting countries to contain the spread of the virus and protect their people, especially in underserved regions.”
According to the BBC, the new PCR test enables the detection of the mpox DNA taken from skin lesion swabs.Currently, samples have to be sent to a laboratory for testing and the patient and medics have to wait days for the result.
The World Health Organisation has said that less than 40% of over 30,000 suspected cases reported in Africa this year had been confirmed through a test.
BBC further reported that limited testing capacity and delays in confirming cases has worsened the spread of mpox previously known as monkeypox.
