WHO Maintains Highest Alert Level for Worsening Mpox Epidemic
The global health body cites rising cases, expanding geographic spread, and operational challenges as reasons for extending the emergency declaration.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) reaffirmed mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), a status initially declared in August 2024.
- Over 51,000 cases and 1,083 deaths have been reported globally in 2024, with Central Africa accounting for 85.8% of cases and nearly all fatalities.
- The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains the hardest-hit country, reporting over 39,000 cases and 1,000 deaths this year alone.
- Two distinct outbreaks are ongoing: one in Central Africa affecting mostly children and another involving a new variant in Eastern DRC and neighboring countries, primarily impacting adults.
- Efforts to combat the epidemic include limited vaccination campaigns, with 900,000 doses allocated to nine African nations, though vaccine access remains insufficient, especially for children under 15 who represent 40% of cases in the DRC.
Sud Ouest 
Le Figaro 