16/08/2024
WORLD NEWS: The World Health Organization declared monkeypox (mpox) a "public health emergency of international concern" on August 14 due to a surge in cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighboring countries. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention had already declared an emergency on August 13 after a 160% rise in cases since 2023.
Mpox was previously deemed a global health emergency from July 2022 to May 2023 due to a more contagious strain of the virus. The PHEIC signals the need for increased research, funding, and international cooperation.
Mpox, or monkeypox, was first identified in 1958 during outbreaks in monkeys. Until recently, most human cases occurred in Central and West Africa, where people came into close contact with infected animals.
