WHO Declares Global Health Emergency Over Mpox Outbreak in Africa for Second Time, 14,000 Cases Reported

Aug 14, 2024, 05:55 PM

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a global health emergency due to a fast-spreading mpox outbreak in Africa. This marks the second time in two years that mpox, previously known as monkeypox, has been classified as a public health emergency of international concern. The outbreak is primarily concentrated in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where 14,000 cases and 524 deaths have been reported. The virus has spread to over a dozen African countries, affecting both children and adults, and includes a new strain. This prompted the WHO to develop a regional response plan. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention also declared mpox a continental public health emergency a day before the WHO's announcement.