On 20 August 2024, the WHO declared a new mpox outbreak in Africa a public health emergency of international concern.

Axar.az reports, citing WHO, that Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that spreads through close contact and contaminated surfaces. Originating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1970, it became a global issue in 2022.
Symptoms: include a rash, fever, headache, and swollen lymph nodes, with lesions appearing on various body parts. Mpox can be severe, especially in vulnerable groups like newborns and people with compromised immune systems.
Transmission: occurs human-to-human via direct contact and contaminated objects. It can also spread from animals to humans.
Prevention: involves hand washing, surface disinfection, and avoiding contact with infected animals. Vaccines, like MVA-BN and ACAM2000, are recommended for at-risk individuals but mass vaccination is not currently advised.
It also should be noted that the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended using "mpox" as a new term for monkeypox, with both names being used for one year before "monkeypox" is phased out. This change aims to address concerns about racist and stigmatizing language associated with the current name. The transition will allow time to update the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and WHO publications. "Mpox" will be included in the ICD-10 and the 2023 ICD-11 release. The new name will be used in WHO communications and is encouraged to be adopted globally to minimize negative impacts.