The World Health Organization has declared the current mpox outbreak a global public health emergency, citing rapid spread beyond Africa and new cases in Pakistan.
On Aug. 14, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus determined that mpox—formerly known as monkeypox—poses an international risk, mainly due to a new transmissible clade in central Africa. WHO is urging countries to strengthen surveillance and prepare for wider spread.
Emerging mpox cases in Pakistan
Health officials in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province have now confirmed three mpox cases among travelers from Gulf states. Pakistani authorities are conducting contact tracing and expanding airport screenings, though they caution against travel bans.
Mpox, a viral infection caused by an Orthopoxvirus, typically spreads through close physical contact. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and painful skin rashes with pus-filled lesions.
Global outbreak and fatality rates
Since September 2023, the global mpox epidemic has surged, with more than 29,000 suspected cases and over 800 deaths in central Africa alone en.wikipedia.org. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, cases have risen significantly, as WHO sounded alarm over nearly 100% outbreak growth and rising child fatalities .
This marks the second such declaration in two years, following an earlier global emergency announced in 2022.
Is mpox worse than Covid-19?
Unlike Covid-19, mpox is not airborne and spreads through direct contact. While its impact is serious, it has not prompted lockdowns so far. Experts say Covid remains far more transmissible and deadly, although mpox’s global reach and potential risks require strong response measures .
Vaccine efforts and health advice
WHO continues to recommend vaccination campaigns and equitable access. It recently fast-tracked vaccines for lower-income countries . In the Philippines, only milder clade II cases have appeared, with nearly 900 mpox instances reported in 2024–25, but no serious outbreaks yet.
Health officials stress the importance of early detection, patient isolation, and testing. WHO urges clinicians and labs worldwide to be vigilant for mpox signs, especially among travelers from affected regions .
Outlook and public guidance
Currently, WHO advises against travel restrictions but reinforces global health coordination, testing, and vaccination. With a substantial at-risk population aged 55 and older facing dementia risk, public health experts believe a robust response could prevent mpox from becoming a broader social crisis.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.