WHO activates its highest alert level for monkeypox

The World Health Organization (WHO) activated its highest alert level on Saturday to try to contain the monkeypox outbreak, which has affected almost 17,000 people in 74 countries, its director general announced.

“I have decided to declare a public health emergency of international scope,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a press conference, stating that the risk in the world is relatively moderate, except in Europe, where it is high.

Tedros explained that the expert committee had been unable to reach a consensus and remained divided on the need for the highest alert level. Ultimately, the decision rests with the CEO.

“It is a call to action, but it is not the first,” said Mike Ryan, head of emergencies at the WHO, who hoped that the alert would allow collective action against the disease.

Since early May, when it was first detected outside endemic African countries, the disease has affected more than 16,836 people in 74 countries, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). as of July 22.

Monkeypox is not a sexually transmitted disease, but outside endemic areas it affects men who have sex with men, with some exceptions.

With information from AFP

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