WHO Declares Mpox Emergency Amid New Outbreak

The Union Health Ministry of India has confirmed that there are currently no reported cases of monkeypox (mpox) in the country, despite a recent global upsurge and the WHO's declaration of a public health emergency. Health Minister JP Nadda emphasized the importance of proactive measures, including heightened vigilance at airports, seaports, and ground crossings, and the readiness of 32 testing laboratories. Globally, the WHO has reported over 99,000 cases and 208 deaths since 2022, with new strains such as Clade 1b causing concern due to their rapid spread and severity. Countries like Pakistan, Sweden, and several in Africa have reported cases of these new variants, prompting international health alerts and increased border controls.