WHO Declares Monkeypox Outbreak Public Health Emergency Amid Surging Cases Across Globe

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially classified the ongoing monkeypox outbreak as a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern.” This declaration follows the rapid spread of a new strain of the virus, particularly in Africa.

During a press conference on August 14, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom expressed concerns about the potential for further transmission. This year, the Democratic Republic of Congo has reported over 14,000 cases and 524 fatalities, marking a significant increase from the previous year.

In response, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has declared mpox a public health emergency across the continent, calling for a coordinated international response to combat the outbreaks.

Additionally, the African Union’s health committee has recognized the emergence of monkeypox in East and Central Africa, prompting similar emergency declarations.

In Europe, Sweden confirmed its first case of the mpox clade I virus, a more dangerous variant, marking the first detection of this strain outside Africa. Meanwhile, Pakistan reported two additional cases, bringing its total to three.

Monkeypox, or “Mpox,” primarily spreads through direct contact and contaminated items.