Following an increase in global incidence, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has designated polio a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). The decision was made following a meeting of the Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations (2005) on February 25, 2025. WHO has also provided updated temporary recommendations to help manage the outbreak.

According to the most recent World Health Organisation (WHO) situation report, which contains data through March 2, 2025, mpox cases are increasing worldwide, with major outbreaks in Africa and Europe. Uganda has emerged as the most afflicted country on the African continent, accounting for more than 40% of confirmed cases during the last six weeks.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to see extensive transmission throughout numerous provinces, cementing its reputation as a high-burden country.

In a troubling development, South Africa has reported its first cluster of mpox cases associated with clade Ib MPXV, ushering in a new phase of the outbreak. Beyond Africa, the virus is exhibiting its ability to spread globally, with travel-related cases reported in Belgium, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The WHO warns that these additional cases highlight the persistent risk of global spread and the need for increased surveillance and containment measures.

On February 24, 2025, the WHO categorised mpox as a moderate worldwide public health risk. However, the outbreak continues to provide considerable hurdles in impacted areas, particularly in conflict zones like eastern DRC, where violence impedes response operations.

A new study of the genome showed that a specific clade Ia MPXV strain has been present in Kinshasa, DRC, since July 2024. This means that the virus is still being passed from person to person. Meanwhile, researchers have discovered clade Ib MPXV in ten provinces across the country. The spread of several virus strains raises worries about long-term transmission patterns and the possibility for additional outbreaks outside of Africa.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the WHO, emphasised the significance of quick containment efforts, saying, "This outbreak requires urgent global cooperation." We must increase surveillance, improve healthcare responses, and provide equal access to vaccinations and treatments."

The UN Health Agency has warned that, despite expanded immunisation efforts and strengthened public health measures in many countries, a number of important problems continue to impede the global response to the mumps. The underreporting of cases is a major worry, as limited testing and weak healthcare facilities in impacted areas result in undetected infections, hiding the true scope of the outbreak. Furthermore, vaccination and treatment accessibility remains a major concern, with limited worldwide supply preventing vulnerable populations from receiving timely protection.

The organisation also stressed the importance of travel-related transmission, as the mobility of infected individuals contributes to the disease's international spread, highlighting the need for better border screening and travel advisories. Meanwhile, conflict zones worsen the situation, with continuous violence in countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) impeding healthcare access and hindering outbreak response operations.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged countries to step up their efforts to combat the growing threat of mpox by increasing genomic surveillance to track virus mutations, ensuring equitable global vaccine distribution, and strengthening healthcare responses, particularly in underserved areas. In addition, the WHO has stressed the importance of strict travel surveillance in order to slow the spread of the virus. Global health experts warn that without immediate and concerted action, mpox instances might worsen, posing a severe public health concern. As the situation evolves, continuing international cooperation will be critical in reducing the outbreak's impact and avoiding a larger crisis.