LONDON –
The World Health Organization said the escalation of the monkeypox outbreak in about 50 countries should be closely monitored, but does not guarantee that a global health emergency will be declared.
In a statement, a WHO emergency committee said many aspects of the outbreak were “unusual” and acknowledged that the monkey’s smallpox, which is endemic in some African countries, has been neglected.
However, the WHO noted the “emergency nature” of the outbreak and said controlling its spread requires an “intense” response.
The committee said the outbreak should be “closely monitored and reviewed after a few weeks.