In a significant development, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) in response to a surge of mpox cases in Central Africa. This announcement comes just over a year after the last outbreak was determined to no longer be a global emergency.
Mpox, formerly recognized as monkeypox, was first designated as a PHEIC in July 2022 due to its rapid spread in various countries where it had not been previously reported. Although the emergency was lifted in May 2023, infections have continued to be reported, raising concerns among health officials.
