WHO ends Mpox Global Emergency
Why it matters: The sharp drop is a win.
The WHO statement is an acknowledgment that the world has successfully contained an international outbreak, even while still reeling from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The initial response to the outbreak sputtered, just like when Covid started to spread. But most countries were able to suppress their epidemics with a combination of vaccination and behavioral changes among affected communities.
Mpox was WHO’s second global emergency in two years and its seventh since 2007. The organization the designation cancelled before Covid last week was a memorable, if largely symbolic, milestone.
Background: Mpox surprised the world.
In July 2022, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director General, a panel of advisors overruled who failed to come to a consensus, declaring mpox a global emergency. By then, the outbreak had grown to more than 16,000 cases and five deaths in 75 countries.
The global toll now stands more than 87,000 cases and 140 deaths in 111 countries.
Globally, about 84 percent of those infected were men who have sex with men; about half also had HIV. Mpox was especially dangerous for people with HIV, who often became seriously ill. About 15 percent of those with advanced HIV who became seriously ill with mpox died.
What’s Next: The virus is not gone.
Health experts are concerned that the virus may resurface this summer, especially after Pride events scheduled around the world in the coming weeks. Last year’s outbreak followed large gatherings in Spain and Belgium.
Some countries, particularly in the Western Pacific, do seen an increase in cases since April 25, and Mexico reported 12 new deaths. In the United States, Chicago officials are investigating eight new cases, the highest number since November.
“It remains important for countries to maintain their capabilities and continue their efforts, assess their risks, quantify their needs to respond and act quickly when necessary,” said Dr. Tedros at a meeting of the WHO emergency committee on Wednesday.