The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday confirmed 14,000 cases of monkeypox worldwide, with five deaths reported in Africa.
Director General of the health agency, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said, “Most cases continue to be reported from Europe, primarily among men who have sex with men.”
However, all the deaths have occurred in Africa, where monkeypox outbreaks have historically been found, Ghebreyesus noted.
WHO will convene the second committee meeting on Thursday to decide whether the outbreak is a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), its highest alert level.
“Regardless of the committee’s recommendation, WHO will continue to do everything we can to support countries to stop transmission and save lives,” Ghebreyesus said.
Picture Credit: WHO
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