The WHO declared an international public health crisis in August as a result of the infectious disease’s development. The reason was that a new type of virus variant continued to spread in Africa. But last week the African Union (AU) said the spread of the virus had slowed somewhat.
It was still not enough for the WHO, which maintained the highest danger level at Friday’s emergency meeting.
The number of cases of infection and affected countries is still increasing, the statement says. The WHO also points to what the organization calls operational challenges on the ground and believes that coordinated efforts are needed against the disease, across national borders and partners.
Smallpox, also known as mpox, is a viral infection spread by close contact. A common course of illness produces flu-like symptoms and causes rashes, sores, blisters and fever. The symptoms are often mild, but can become serious and cause death in people in certain risk groups.
So far this year, 46,000 suspected cases have been reported in Africa, most of them in the Congo, and over 1,000 deaths believed to be caused by the disease. Cases of infection have also been detected in a number of other countries, including in Norway, including at a sex club in Oslo.
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