The World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday raised its maximum alert level for the mpox epidemic, formerly called monkeypox, considering it sufficiently controlled almost a year after the start of its outbreak.
This epidemic “no longer represents a public health emergency of international concern,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a press conference, following the recommendation of the WHO emergency committee.
A public health emergency of international concern was declared on July 23, 2022 by the head of the WHO. Health authorities in Europe and the United States noted the first outbreaks of the disease in May 2022.
“That doesn’t mean the job is done”
The emergency committee dedicated to the disease met at least every three months to take stock of the situation. If he considers that the epidemic no longer represents an “international health emergency”, he calls for caution.
“As with covid-19, this does not mean the job is done. Mpox continues to pose significant public health challenges that require a robust, proactive and sustainable response,” says the WHO chief.
The disease is characterized by rashes, which may appear on the genitals or in the mouth, and may be accompanied by bouts of fever, sore throat, or pain in the lymph nodes. It is endemic in some West African countries.
As of February 14, 85,860 cases had been registered in 110 countries and the disease had claimed 93 lives, according to the WHO.
Source: BFM TV
