The World Health Organization (WHO) is set to hold an important meeting next Wednesday to discuss whether the Mpox outbreak, currently affecting several African countries, should be declared a global health emergency. The virtual meeting, which will start at 10:00 AM GMT, will be attended by WHO’s emergency committee members.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of WHO, mentioned on social media platform X that the committee will share their opinions on whether the Mpox outbreak should be classified as a “public health emergency of international concern.” If so, they will also advise on measures to prevent and control the spread of the disease.
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that can spread from animals to humans and also from person to person through close physical contact. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and large skin lesions that resemble boils.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is currently the hardest hit by the outbreak, with 14,479 confirmed and suspected cases and 455 deaths as of August 3, according to the African Union’s health agency. The decision from WHO will play a crucial role in determining the next steps to combat this outbreak effectively.