The World Health Organisation (WHO) will convene a meeting of its Emergency Committee next week to assess whether mpox still constitutes a global health crisis, according to a statement released on Monday.
The disease, which continues to spread in Africa, is currently classified by the UN health body as a public health emergency of international concern, the highest level of alert. Mpox can be transmitted among individuals through direct contact with infectious skin or lesions, including through talking, breathing, touching, and intimate activities. Respiratory droplets or short-range aerosols from close contact can also facilitate transmission.
Additionally, the disease can be contracted from contaminated objects such as clothing or linens, or in community settings like tattoo parlours. Prevention of mpox infection can be achieved through vaccination, which should ideally be administered within four days of exposure to an infected individual (or up to 14 days if no symptoms are present).
During an outbreak, the WHO recommends that those at higher risk of contracting the disease, such as healthcare workers, should be prioritised for vaccination.
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