WHO declares Mpox a global public health emergency

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox a global health emergency for the second time in two years. The disease, which primarily affects humans and animals, has spread across borders, primarily in countries neighboring the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). As of 2024, there have been more than 14,500 confirmed cases and about 2,800 infected people. The current outbreak is driven by the clade I virus, which is considered more dangerous than the endemic strain. A large proportion of those infected have been children.