Over 500 deaths have been recorded in central Africa as fears grow that mpox could spread beyond the continent. African health authorities have appealed for more vaccines.
The World Health Organization on Wednesday declared the spread of mpox to be a global public health emergency, the second time in two years it has categorized the virus as such.
Mpox, which spreads through close contact and causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions on the skin, is usually mild. However, it can be fatal in rare cases.
A new version of the virus has emerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and has rapidly spread to neighboring countries including Rwanda, Burundi and the Central African Republic.
Cases are up 160% and deaths are up 19% compared with the same period last year.
