The World Health Organisation (WHO) has sounded the alarm over a surge in mpox infections, warning that the virus is spreading rapidly across parts of Africa and making fresh appearances in countries outside the continent.
According to WHO, 17 African nations have reported active cases of mpox within the past six weeks, with 2,862 confirmed infections and 17 deaths recorded between September 14 and October 19.
The virus, formerly known as monkeypox, has now been detected for the first time in Malaysia, Namibia, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, a development the WHO described as evidence of its expanding global reach.
In its latest statement, the organisation urged countries to step up surveillance, ensure wider access to vaccines, and strengthen infection control measures to curb the spread.
"The increasing transmission of mpox is a serious concern," the WHO warned, stressing that a coordinated global response is essential to prevent the virus from becoming firmly entrenched in new regions.
As the disease continues to advance quietly yet steadily, health authorities worldwide are being called upon to act decisively to contain what could become another major public health challenge.
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