As Monkeypox Cases Cross 1600, WHO To Assess Whether It Is a Global Emergency

Monkeypox has now spread to 39 countries, with 1600 cases recorded, the World Health Organization has said.

The total number of Monkeypox cases crossed 1,600, from over 39 countries where the disease is not endemic to, on Tuesday, 14 June.

As this happens, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that it would meet on Thursday, 23 June to assess whether the outbreak could turn into a public health emergency of international concern.

"The global outbreak of monkeypox is clearly unusual and concerning. I have decided to convene the Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations on Thursday next week, to assess whether this outbreak represents a public health emergency of international concern."

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General, WHO