The World Health Organization (WHO) is on high alert as it grapples with a growing mpox outbreak, primarily centered in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
On Wednesday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced the formation of an emergency committee to assess whether the situation constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
The decision comes amidst a surge in mpox cases beyond the DRC’s borders, with neighboring countries Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda reporting confirmed and suspected infections.
The WHO is particularly concerned about the rapid spread of a new, more virulent strain of the virus, known as clade 1b. This variant has been identified in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, while investigations into the strain in Burundi are ongoing.
The DRC has been battling a mpox epidemic since the start of the year, with over 14,000 cases and 511 deaths reported.
The current outbreak is distinct from the global outbreak of 2022, which was caused by a different strain, clade 2.
The emergency committee, composed of independent experts, will convene as soon as possible to evaluate the severity of the outbreak, the potential for international spread, and the need for a coordinated global response.
The WHO is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as they become available.