The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years, following an outbreak of the virus in parts of Africa.
That comes as health officials also warn of a sharp rise in cases in Toronto.
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On Tuesday, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also announced that the mpox outbreaks were a public health emergency, with more than 500 deaths so far this year, and called for international help to stop the virus’ spread.
“This is something that should concern us all … The potential for further spread beyond Africa and beyond is very worrying,” WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a media conference.
Mpox can spread through close contact. Usually mild, it is fatal in rare cases. It causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions on the body.
More to come.