WHO Ends Mpox International Health Emergency After Global Case Decline

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that mpox, a viral infection characterized by flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions, is no longer an international health emergency due to a sustained decline in cases and deaths, particularly in countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, Sierra Leone, and Uganda. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that while the global alert level has been lowered, efforts must continue to eradicate the virus, which spreads through close contact. The decision follows advice from WHO's Emergency Committee and marks a significant turning point in managing the outbreak, which was initially declared a public health emergency of international concern in August of the previous year. Despite the downgrade, WHO calls for vigilance to prevent resurgence of this sometimes deadly virus.