WHO Terminates Global Mpox Emergency Declaration, Signaling Effective Response and Recovery Efforts

World Health Organization has lifted the global health emergency status for mpox,citing declining cases,but warns vigilance is still crucial.Learn about the current state of mpox and future outlook.">

WHO Declares End to Global Mpox Emergency, But Warns Threat Remains

geneva, Switzerland – The World Health Organization (WHO) officially announced Friday that mpox no longer constitutes a global public health emergency. This decision follows a sustained reduction in reported cases and fatalities, especially within the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighboring nations.

Image provided by Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain.

A Shift in Global Health priorities

The WHO initially declared Mpox a Public Health emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in August 2024, responding to a dual outbreak primarily centered in the Democratic Republic of congo. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus affirmed the lifting of the emergency status after a meeting of the UN health agencyS emergency committee on Thursday.

“This determination is substantiated by consistent declines in both case numbers and deaths not only in the Democratic Republic of the Congo but also in several other affected countries, including Burundi, Sierra Leone, and Uganda,” Dr. Tedros stated during a press conference. He further noted that enhanced understanding of transmission dynamics and improved response capabilities within impacted nations contributed to this positive development.

Continued Vigilance is Key

Despite the improved outlook, the WHO emphasized that the end of the emergency declaration does not signal an end to the threat. Dr. Tedros highlighted that the situation remains a continental emergency in Africa and warned of the potential for future outbreaks. “the possibility of continued flare-ups and new outbreaks remains,” he cautioned.

The African Union’s public health body echoed this sentiment, stating that current downward trends are not yet stable enough to warrant lifting the emergency at a continental level.

As of late July,over 34,000 confirmed cases of mpox,resulting in 138 deaths,had been reported worldwide across 84 countries.The majority of these cases, exceeding 15,000, were recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Understanding Mpox and its Evolution

Mpox, caused by a virus belonging to the same family as smallpox, presents through symptoms including fever, muscle aches, and distinctive boil-like skin lesions.Transmission occurs via contact with infected animals or through close physical interaction with infected individuals. First identified in humans in 1970 in the DRC, then known as Zaire, this disease, while historically endemic in central Africa, gained global attention in May 2022 with the spread of clade 2.

In July 2022, the WHO initially declared a global health emergency in response to the widespread transmission of clade 2, which disproportionately affected gay and bisexual men. Vaccination campaigns and heightened awareness efforts successfully curbed the spread, leading to the lifting of that initial emergency declaration in May 2023.

However, a subsequent epidemic emerged a year later, involving both the original clade 1a strain and a new variant, clade 1b, prompting the re-declaration of a PHEIC.

Mpox Clade	Severity	Geographic Prevalence
Clade 1	Generally more severe	Central Africa
Clade 2	Generally less severe	Global (initially spread in 2022)

Did You Know? A PHEIC has been declared only eight times since 2009, for events including H1N1 swine flu, polio, Zika, COVID-19, and Ebola, in addition to mpox.

Dimie Ogoina, chair of the WHO’s mpox emergency committee, noted a reduction in the case fatality rate in endemic regions from 3.6% to approximately one percent. nevertheless, he urged continued investment in mpox prevention and control, warning that complacency could lead to a resurgence of the disease.

The WHO reports that over three million vaccine doses have been distributed to 12 countries, with just under one million administered.

The Long-Term Outlook for Mpox

While the immediate crisis has subsided, experts agree that mpox is likely to become an endemic disease in certain regions. Continued surveillance, vaccination efforts, and public health education will be crucial for managing the ongoing risk.

Research into the long-term health effects of mpox is also ongoing. Studies are examining potential complications and the effectiveness of different treatment strategies. The development of more effective and accessible vaccines remains a priority.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mpox

What is mpox? Mpox is a viral infection that can cause fever, muscle aches, and skin lesions. It’s related to the virus that causes smallpox, but generally less severe.

How is mpox transmitted? Mpox can spread through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with materials contaminated with the virus.

Is there a vaccine for mpox? Yes, vaccines developed for smallpox can also provide protection against mpox.

What are the symptoms of mpox? Common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes, followed by a rash that can look like pimples or blisters.

Is mpox a sexually transmitted infection (STI)? While mpox can be spread through sexual contact, it is not exclusively an STI. It can be transmitted through any close physical contact.

what should I do if I think I have mpox? You should isolate yourself and seek medical attention immediately.

Is the risk of mpox still present? The WHO has lifted the global emergency status, but the risk remains, and vigilance is still recommended.

Are you concerned about the future of mpox? What steps do you think are most important to prevent future outbreaks?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What specific actions taken in late 2022 and early 2023 contributed to curbing the spread of mpox, according to the article?

The End of a Public Health Emergency: What it Means

on September 6, 2025, the World health Association (WHO) officially terminated the Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) for mpox (formerly known as monkeypox). This decision, announced after a review of the evolving epidemiological situation, marks a significant milestone in the global response to the outbreak that gained prominence in 2022. The lifting of the PHEIC doesn’t mean mpox has disappeared,but it signifies a significant decrease in risk and a transition towards long-term management of the disease. This article details the factors contributing to this positive progress, ongoing concerns, and what individuals should do to stay informed.

Timeline of the Mpox Outbreak and WHO Response

The 2022 mpox outbreak was unprecedented in its global reach, affecting countries where the virus was not previously endemic. Here’s a brief timeline:

May 2022: Initial reports of unusual mpox cases began emerging from the United Kingdom, followed by cases in North America and Europe.

July 23, 2022: The WHO declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), the highest level of alert.

Late 2022 – Early 2023: Global vaccination campaigns, public health messaging, and behavioral changes began to curb the spread.

September 6, 2025: the WHO terminates the PHEIC for mpox.

This rapid response, though initially criticized for being slow, ultimately proved crucial in controlling the outbreak.

Key Factors Contributing to the PHEIC Termination

Several factors contributed to the WHO’s decision to lift the emergency declaration. These include:

Declining case Numbers: Globally, reported mpox cases have considerably decreased as the peak of the outbreak. Consistent declines over several reporting periods were a primary driver of the decision.

Effective Vaccination Programs: The deployment of vaccines, notably the JYNNEOS vaccine, played a critical role in protecting at-risk populations.Targeted vaccination strategies focused on men who have sex with men (MSM) and other vulnerable groups.

Behavioral Changes: Public health campaigns promoting awareness and safer sexual practices contributed to a reduction in transmission.

Improved Surveillance: Enhanced surveillance systems allowed for quicker identification and containment of new cases.

Global Collaboration: International cooperation in sharing data, resources, and expertise was essential for a coordinated response.

What the Termination of the PHEIC Doesn’t Mean

It’s crucial to understand that ending the PHEIC is not a signal to abandon vigilance.

Mpox Still Exists: The virus continues to circulate,particularly in certain regions. Sporadic cases and localized outbreaks are still possible.

Ongoing Risk for Vulnerable Populations: Individuals at higher risk, such as MSM, people with weakened immune systems, and those with a history of mpox, remain susceptible to infection.

Need for Continued Surveillance: Maintaining robust surveillance systems is vital for early detection and rapid response to any resurgence of the virus.

Long-Term Research Needed: Further research is needed to understand the long-term effects of mpox infection and the durability of vaccine protection.

current Global Mpox Situation (as of September 6, 2025)

As of today, the WHO reports a significant decrease in new cases globally. Though, regional variations exist.

Africa: Historically endemic regions in Central and West Africa continue to report cases, though at lower levels than during the 2022 outbreak.

North America & Europe: Case numbers remain low, with sporadic outbreaks primarily linked to close contact networks.

Asia: Limited cases have been reported, with ongoing surveillance efforts.

Data is continuously updated and available on the WHO website and national health agency websites.

Vaccination and Prevention strategies

Even with the PHEIC lifted, vaccination remains a key preventative measure.

JYNNEOS Vaccine: This vaccine is highly effective in preventing mpox and is recommended for individuals at high risk.

ACAM2000 Vaccine: An older vaccine, ACAM2000, is available but has more significant side effects and is generally reserved for specific situations.

Preventative Measures:

Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with anyone who has a rash that looks like mpox.

Avoid contact with materials (e.g., clothing, bedding) that have been in contact with someone who has mpox.

Practice good hygiene, including frequent handwashing.

Be aware of symptoms and seek medical attention if you suspect you may be infected.

The Role of Public Health Agencies and Future Preparedness

The mpox outbreak highlighted the importance of strong public health infrastructure and international collaboration.

Strengthening Surveillance Systems: Investing in robust surveillance systems is crucial for early detection and rapid response to future outbreaks.

* Improving Vaccine access: Ensuring equitable access to vaccines, particularly in resource-limited settings,