Mpox Outbreak Raises Concerns, WHO Considers Public Health Emergency

Deadly Virus Spreads Beyond Congo, Prompting Global Alarm

Emergency Declaration Looms as Cases Surge in Africa

A growing outbreak of mpox in Africa has sparked international concern, with the World Health Organization (WHO) considering declaring a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). The deadly virus, previously known as monkeypox, has spilled out of the Democratic Republic of Congo, raising alarms among global health officials.

Mpox came to global prominence two years ago when cases emerged across the world amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The outbreak led the WHO to declare a PHEIC, which lasted from July 2022 to May 2023. The outbreak, which has now largely subsided, caused over 86,000 confirmed cases and 60 deaths worldwide.

In 2022, the WHO declared mpox to be a global emergency after it spread to more than 70 countries, mostly affecting gay and bisexual men. The virus is transmitted through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials, and can cause severe illness, including fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.