The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that the mpox outbreak is still a public health emergency of international concern. The WHO initially declared the emergency in August last year due to the increasing number of cases and geographic spread of the outbreak.
The agency cited violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo as a significant factor hindering its response plan. The new form of mpox, clade Ib, primarily affects the DRC but has also been reported in Uganda, Burundi, Thailand, and Britain.
As of February 2024, there have been over 21,000 confirmed cases globally, with 70 deaths mostly in Congo. In contrast, last year saw more than 50,000 suspected cases and over 1,000 deaths. The WHO faces challenges in confirming cases in areas with limited capacity.
Mpox is a viral infection that spreads through close contact, causing flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions. While generally mild, it can be lethal. The WHO continues to monitor the outbreak and provide updates on its website.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/mpox-still-health-emergency-says-who-2025-02-27