The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an international public health emergency over the monkeypox outbreak, with confirmed cases in 70 countries.
This is the highest public health alert the WHO can make, and it will empower WHO to advance research and funding for disease control and international health action.
The international health emergency, which was also issued for the novel influenza A (H1N1) and Ebola virus in the past, is currently only being maintained for COVID-19 and polio.