Europe 1 with AFP 4:39 p.m., July 23, 2022, modified at 4:40 p.m., July 23, 2022

The World Health Organization issued its highest level of alert for monkeypox on Saturday.

To enjoy this, the risk is particularly high in Europe.

The World Health Organization issued its highest level of alert on Saturday to try to contain the outbreak of monkeypox, which has affected nearly 17,000 people in 74 countries, announced its director general.

"I have decided to declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern," said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during a press briefing, specifying that the risk in the world was relatively moderate apart from Europe where it is high.

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Dr Tedros explained that the expert committee had failed to reach consensus, remaining divided on the need to trigger the highest level of alert.

In the end, it is up to the general manager to decide.

"It's a call to action, but it's not the first," said Mike Ryan, the WHO's emergency manager, who said he hoped it would lead to collective action against disease.