The WHO declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) after a global outbreak after determining that this year’s strain is more severe than the one from 2022.
So far, over 14,000 cases and 524 deaths have been reported, mainly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It has spread to at least 11 other African countries and Sweden.
Mpox is a viral infection that spreads through close contact, causing flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions. This outbreak, particularly a new subvariant called clade 1b, could be more contagious and deadly than the previous strain.
A Danish biotech firm, Bavarian Nordic, is considering increasing production of its mpox vaccine and has submitted data to extend its use for adolescents. Most cases in Africa are among those under 18.
The WHO officials emphasize that mpox is not the new COVID-19 and can be controlled with international cooperation.