Mpox outbreak might be declared public health emergency amid recent spread: WHO

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - The World Health Organization (WHO) chief said Wednesday that he has convened an emergency committee to advise whether the mpox outbreak constitutes a public health emergency of international concern amid recent spread.

"In light of the spread of mpox outside (the Democratic Republic of Congo) 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," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on X.

Tedros noted that the committee will meet "as soon as possible" and will be made up of independent experts from a range of relevant disciplines from around the world.

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a rare disease caused by a virus. It leads to rashes and flu-like symptoms, according to the WHO.