On Wednesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years, following an outbreak of the viral infection in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that has spread to neighboring countries. An emergency committee convened to advise WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on whether the outbreak qualifies as a "public health emergency of international concern" (PHEIC). This designation is WHO's highest alert level and is intended to accelerate research, funding, and international public health measures to contain the disease

Tedros emphasized the need for a coordinated international response to halt the outbreaks and save lives. Mpox, which can spread through close contact, typically causes mild symptoms but can be fatal in rare instances. The infection leads to flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions on the body.

The outbreak in the DRC began with the spread of an endemic strain, known as clade I. However, a new variant, clade Ib, which appears to spread more easily through routine close contact, including sexual contact, has now emerged. This variant has spread from the DRC to neighboring countries such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, prompting the WHO to take action.

Tedros expressed concern over the detection and rapid spread of this new clade in eastern DRC and its presence in countries that had not previously reported mpox cases. He also noted the potential for further spread within Africa and beyond. WHO has released $1.5 million in contingency funds and plans to release more in the coming days. The organization estimates that its response plan will require an initial $15 million and plans to appeal to donors for additional funding.

Earlier this week, Africa's top public health body declared an mpox emergency for the continent, warning of the viral infection's alarming spread, with over 17,000 suspected cases and more than 500 deaths this year, primarily among children in the DRC.

Professor Dimie Ogoina, chair of WHO's mpox emergency committee, stated that all members unanimously agreed that the current surge in cases constitutes an "extraordinary event," with a record number of cases reported in the DRC. Vaccines and behavior changes previously helped curb the spread of a different mpox strain, which primarily affected men who have sex with men, leading to WHO's 2022 emergency declaration.

WHO noted that the transmission routes in the DRC require further study, and no vaccines are currently available for the outbreak, although efforts are underway to address this and determine the best vaccination strategy. The organization also urged countries with vaccine stockpiles to donate doses.