On 14 August 2024, the World Health Organization announced that an upsurge of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and a growing number of countries in Africa constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) under International Health Regulations (IHR).

This definition implies that a situation that is:

• serious, sudden, unusual or unexpected;
• carries implications for public health beyond the affected State’s national border; and
• may require immediate international action.

Mpox is a disease with symptoms similar to smallpox. It can be transmitted by animals and humans, through contact with bodily fluids, lesions on the skin or on internal mucosal surfaces, respiratory droplets and via contaminated objects. Most people fully recover from this illness.

Pharmacists may find Key facts from the WHO of use. 

Some quick facts from FIP are available here.

Mpox has been reported in the DRC for more than a decade. In July 2022, the WHO declared mpox a PHEIC. That declaration was ended in May 2023. One of the main reasons for this recent (second) declaration is the emergence of a new virus strain (clade 1b), its rapid spread in eastern DRC, and the reporting of cases in several neighbouring countries. The WHO Director-General is expected to share the report of an IHR Emergency Committee meeting on mpox and, based on the advice of this committee, issue recommendations to countries.

There are no changes to travel advice at present.

FIP will be keeping watch for the recommendations and advice from governments, and we will update our congress attendees as we know more.