❖ The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox as a “public health emergency of international concern” (PHEIC).

❖ Mpox is caused by an orthopox virus.

❖ It was first detected in humans in 1970 and is endemic to countries in central and west Africa. 

❖ More than 2,100 laboratory-confirmed cases of the disease, as well as 13 deaths, have been reported this year in the DRC and 11 other countries.

❖ WHO also reported that Sweden was the first country outside of Africa to report a case of the mpox Clade 1 variant.