The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that Mpox will continue to be 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 comes amid rising cases of the clade Ib variant, which has spread beyond its origin in the Democratic Republic of Congo to neighboring African nations, Europe, and Asia.

“With increasing case numbers, ongoing geographic spread, and the necessity for a coordinated global response, maintaining the emergency status is crucial,” stated the WHO.

In Canada, health authorities recently confirmed the country’s first case of the clade Ib mpox variant, although they emphasized that the risk to the general population remains low.

What Is Mpox?

Formerly known as monkeypox, Mpox is a viral infection transmitted to humans primarily through infected animals but can also spread via close human contact. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and boil-like skin lesions, with severe cases potentially being fatal.

Mpox in India

India reported its first case of the clade Ib variant in September when a 38-year-old man traveling from the United Arab Emirates tested positive. Authorities monitored 29 close contacts and 37 passengers from his flight, but no additional cases or symptoms were reported.

Since then, India has not recorded any further mpox cases.

Globally, the WHO has documented the Ib strain and other Mpox variants in 80 countries, including 19 in Africa, so far this year.