The World Health Organization (WHO) will convene its emergency committee next Wednesday to assess whether the Mpox outbreak across several African nations warrants its highest alert level.
The committee’s meeting will be held virtually and is scheduled to start at 10:00 GMT. This session will focus on evaluating the severity of the outbreak and determining if it should be classified as a public health emergency of international concern.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has indicated that the committee will discuss recommendations for enhancing preventive measures and curbing the spread of Mpox. Should the alert level be raised, it would lead to the adoption of more robust strategies to manage the outbreak and safeguard global health.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral infection that can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals or from person to person via close physical interactions. The disease presents with symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and large skin lesions resembling boils, making it a significant health concern.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is experiencing the most severe impact of the current Mpox outbreak. As of August 3, the African Union’s health agency reported 14,479 confirmed and suspected cases, along with 455 deaths in the DRC. This data underscores the critical nature of the situation and the urgency of the WHO’s upcoming decision.
