The World Health Organization (WHO) has extended the international health emergency status for the mpox virus epidemic following a global expert review.

Since early 2024, over 37,000 cases and 125 deaths have been reported in 25 countries, with the Democratic Republic of Congo accounting for 60% of cases and 40% of deaths.

The WHO highlighted a recent surge in West African countries such as Sierra Leone, Uganda, and Burundi, alongside ongoing undetected transmissions beyond Africa.

Due to monitoring challenges and treatment funding shortages, WHO emphasized the necessity for continued international support to combat the epidemic.