The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that monkeypox is no longer a global public health emergency, almost a year after it was raised as a threat.
Although the virus remains in circulation and there is a possibility of further waves and outbreaks, the WHO has lowered its alert level.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of the global health body, has urged countries to “remain vigilant.”
Monkeypox is transmitted through close contact with an infected person. Its official name is Mpox and it is caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the same family of viruses as smallpox, although it is much less severe.
Initial symptoms include fever, headaches, swellings, back pain, aching muscles.
Once the fever breaks a rash can develop, often beginning on the face, then spreading to other parts of the body, most commonly the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Anyone with the virus should abstain from sex while they have symptoms, to help prevent passing it on to others.
Vaccines can protect people too. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global outbreak of monkeypox has resulted in over 87,000 cases and 140 deaths across 111 countries.
However, the number of cases reported over the last three months has reduced by almost 90% in comparison to the previous three-month period, leading to the conclusion that the highest level of alert is no longer necessary.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of the WHO, has emphasized the importance of remaining cautious despite the reduced alert level. In the UK, only ten cases have been reported this year.
The announcement comes a week after the UN agency declared an end to the Covid emergency.
A declaration of a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) indicates that countries need to cooperate to manage a shared threat, such as an outbreak of a disease.
There is now just one WHO-declared PHEIC – for poliovirus, which was declared in May 2014.
Dr Katy Sinka, head of sexually transmitted infections at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “If you’re eligible and still need to take up the vaccine, please come forward ahead of the summer months to ensure you have maximum protection.
“First doses of the vaccine will end on 16 June and both doses will cease at the end of July.”