WHO Declares Monkeypox No Longer Global Health Emergency

VIVA – The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declares that Monkeypox is no longer a global health emergency. The announcement comes almost a year after the threat of the monkeypox virus hit the world. 

"The virus is still present and further waves and outbreaks are likely to continue, but the highest level of alert has ended," the WHO said. 

However, the head of WHO Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, still asks every country to be careful. According to him, this virus can be transmitted through close contact with someone who is infected. 

Monkeypox virus, is a member of the same family of viruses as smallpox, although less severe. Initial symptoms include fever, headache, swelling, back pain, and muscle aches. 

Once the fever subsides, a rash may develop, usually starting on the face, then spreading to other parts of the body, usually the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Anyone with the virus should avoid sex while experiencing these symptoms, to help prevent transmission to others. 

In addition, more than 87,000 cases and 140 deaths have been reported from 111 countries during the global outbreak, according to WHO calculations.

However, almost 90 percent fewer cases were recorded over the past three months compared to the previous three-month period, "This means the highest level of vigilance is no longer required," the Head of WHO informed. 

In the UK, only 10 cases have been reported since the start of the year. This announcement comes just a week after the UN agency also declared the COVID-19 emergency over. 

Declaring a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) signals that countries need to work together to manage shared threats, such as disease outbreaks. 

There is currently only one PHEIC declared by WHO that is still of concern, which is the polio virus, declared in May 2014.