The monkeypox epidemic has once again become a public health emergency of international concern

The World Health Organization (WHO) has once again declared the monkeypox epidemic as a "public health emergency of international concern".

On August 14, 2024, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, announced that the monkeypox epidemic constitutes a "public health emergency of international concern".

Tedros disclosed on social media that the number of monkeypox cases increased significantly last year, and the number of cases reported so far this year has exceeded the total of last year. Currently, there are more than 14,000 cases and 524 deaths.

Monkeypox, as a viral zoonotic disease, the initial symptoms of human infection include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, etc., and later can develop into extensive rashes on the face and body. Most infected people can recover within a few weeks, but there are also cases of severe illness and even death.

The first case of human infection with the monkeypox virus was discovered in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1970. Since then, the virus has mainly been prevalent in western and central Africa. Since May 2022, monkeypox cases have been reported in more than 100 countries and regions around the world. The WHO declared the monkeypox epidemic as a "public health emergency of international concern" in July 2022 and lifted the status in May 2023.

The WHO made this decision mainly based on several factors. First, the monkeypox virus has spread rapidly and has spread to many countries where cases have never occurred before. Second, the three criteria for declaring a "public health emergency of international concern" stipulated in the International Health Regulations have all been met by the monkeypox epidemic. Furthermore, although the previous meeting of the Emergency Committee of the International Health Regulations convened by the WHO did not reach a consensus on whether the epidemic constitutes such a status, Tedros, after comprehensive consideration, believed that it met the criteria. In addition, the current scientific principles, evidence and other related information about monkeypox are still insufficient, and there are many unknowns. At the same time, monkeypox poses a risk to human health, may cause international spread, and also has potential disruptions to international traffic.

WHO data shows that the number of monkeypox cases reported since 2024 has exceeded 15,600, surpassing the total of last year, with 537 deaths. A more lethal new strain of the monkeypox virus is spreading rapidly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and has spread to countries such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, where cases have never been reported before.

A "public health emergency of international concern" is the highest-level alert issued by the WHO, aiming to call on countries and relevant institutions to take actions and provide financial support to respond to the epidemic. After this decision is announced, countries need to take coordinated response measures to contain the spread, protect vulnerable groups, intervene and protect affected communities, strengthen monitoring and public health measures, enhance clinical management and infection prevention and control in hospitals and clinics, and accelerate the research and use of vaccines, therapies and other tools.

This announcement indicates that the severity of the monkeypox epidemic and the risk of international spread have triggered high global vigilance. The international community will take coordinated actions such as strengthening monitoring, prevention and control measures, vaccine research and development and international cooperation to stop the spread of the epidemic and protect public health. The WHO will also play a coordinating and guiding role and provide response suggestions and support to countries. Governments and relevant institutions of various countries need to work closely together to jointly address this public health challenge.