The World Health Organization has declared monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern for the second time in two years, Reuters reported.
The decision follows the establishment of an outbreak of the disease in the DR Congo, which has spread to neighboring countries with 90 registered cases.
More than 14,000 cases of a new type of monkeypox have been reported this year in Africa, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at the start of the meeting, which was held via video conference.
At least 500 people have died in the current epidemic, Ghebreyesus also said.
Monkeypox is a viral disease that causes a blistering rash. It is spread through physical contact with infected people or animals, as well as contact with contaminated materials.
Although most patients recover completely, the disease can be dangerous for children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.
The WHO said that there are already cases of smallpox in 13 African countries, and that a new type of the disease is currently spreading.
2024-08-14 18:12:48
#declared #smallpox #urgent #threat #public #health
