WHO Maintains Mpox Alert Amid Surge in West Africa

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reaffirmed the ongoing status of mpox as a global health emergency, citing a continued rise in cases worldwide. Since the outbreak began in early 2024, with initial reports from the Democratic Republic of Congo, over 37,000 confirmed cases have been documented across 25 countries, resulting in approximately 125 fatalities.

The WHO director general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, announced the extension of the emergency declaration after a meeting with international experts. While some regions have shown progress in controlling the spread, there has been a notable surge in cases in West Africa, alongside virus transmission outside Africa. The Democratic Republic of Congo remains the most affected, accounting for 60% of confirmed cases and 40% of deaths related to mpox.

Other countries like Uganda, Burundi, and Sierra Leone have also experienced significant outbreaks, with Sierra Leone reporting an increase in cases this year. The virus causes symptoms including rash, severe flu-like symptoms, and in some instances, severe complications. It was first classified as an international emergency by WHO in August 2024.

The decision to maintain the emergency status was based on the rising number of cases and the likelihood of undetected transmissions beyond Africa. Challenges such as inadequate monitoring, limited funding for treatment, and insufficient international support continue to hinder containment efforts. The WHO emphasizes the importance of sustained global collaboration and resource allocation to combat the ongoing mpox threat.

source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-mpox-west-africa-surge.html