Monkeypox (mpox) is no longer considered a global health emergency, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO’s announcement marks the end of a year-long alert for the viral disease, which had caused confirmed cases in over a hundred countries. The latest report from the WHO reveals that there have been more than 87,000 confirmed cases of monkeypox worldwide, spanning from the beginning of 2022 through May 8 of this year.
While the WHO had previously observed a sustained decline in reported cases, it had also expressed concerns about a potential resurgence in certain regions and ongoing transmission in some countries. Despite these concerns, the organization has now decided to remove the global health emergency status attributed to monkeypox.Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that causes a rash and fever in humans. It is primarily transmitted to people from animals, with rodents being the natural hosts. Human-to-human transmission can occur through direct contact with bodily fluids or contaminated objects.
Although monkeypox is generally less severe than smallpox, it can still lead to significant illness and has a mortality rate of up to 10%.The decision by the WHO reflects the progress made in containing the spread of monkeypox globally. However, it is important for countries to remain vigilant and maintain surveillance systems to quickly detect and respond to any potential outbreaks. Continued efforts in public health measures, such as effective surveillance, vaccination campaigns, and public awareness, will be crucial in minimizing the risk of future monkeypox cases and preventing any resurgence of the disease.