Monkeypox Outbreak: WHO Summons Emergency Meeting To Assess Global Concern

New Delhi: The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Thursday summoned an emergency meeting to discuss the outbreak of monkeypox (Mpox) amid a surge in cases in central African nation Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the meeting has been called to discuss whether the spread of the deadly virus is a cause for global concern, and that a committee of independent experts will meet as soon as possible.

“In light of the spread of #mpox outside #DRC, and the potential for further international spread within and outside Africa, I have decided to convene an Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations to advise me on whether the outbreak represents a public health emergency of international concern,” Ghebreyesus posted on X.

It’s been nearly a year since Congo has seen a rise in number of Mpox cases.

Al Jazeera reported that there have been over 27,000 cases of the Mpox virus and 1100-plus deaths, mostly children, reported since September 2023.

A strain of the deadly virus has been detected in 10 neighbouring African nations this year, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said last week.

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, was declared a global emergency by WHO in 2022 after it spread to more than 70 countries.

The primary symptoms of the virus, which has been found to be mostly prevalent among youths, are fever, chills, respiratory problems (nasal congestion, cough), swollen lymph nodes and muscle pain.

Also Read: Fact Check: Can Monkeypox Be Transmitted Through Sex?