WHO Maintains Mpox as Public Health Emergency Amid Rising Cases
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that Mpox will remain classified as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to a resurgence in cases and its expanding geographic spread.
Initially declared in August, the emergency status was reaffirmed following a meeting of the WHO Emergency Committee, according to Reuters. The decision reflects the increasing prevalence of the clade Ib variant, which has spread from its origins in the Democratic Republic of Congo to neighboring African nations, Europe, and Asia.
“With rising case numbers, continued geographic expansion, and the need for a coordinated global response, maintaining the emergency status remains essential,” the WHO stated.
Mpox’s Global Spread
- Canada: The country recently confirmed its first case of the clade Ib Mpox variant. While health officials emphasized that the risk to the general population is low, the detection highlights the virus’s ongoing spread.
- India: The first clade Ib case in India was reported in September in a 38-year-old man returning from the UAE. Authorities closely monitored 29 contacts and 37 fellow passengers, but no additional cases or symptoms were identified. Since then, India has not reported further Mpox cases.
Globally, the WHO has identified the clade Ib strain and other Mpox variants in 80 countries, including 19 African nations, in 2024 alone.
What Is Mpox?
Previously known as monkeypox, Mpox is a viral infection transmitted to humans primarily through infected animals but can also spread via close human contact. Common symptoms include:
- Fever,
- Muscle aches, and
- Boil-like skin lesions.
While most cases are mild, severe infections can occasionally result in fatalities.
Global Health Implications
The reaffirmation of Mpox as a PHEIC underscores the ongoing challenges posed by the virus. As the geographic spread widens and new cases emerge, the WHO continues to call for a coordinated global effort to manage the outbreak, strengthen surveillance, and support affected countries.
Though the risk remains low for many regions, maintaining vigilance and proactive measures is vital to curb the virus’s spread and mitigate its public health impact.
