What is mpox and why has the WHO declared it a public health emergency?

Sebastian Condrea | Moment | Getty Images The World Health Organization has declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years, following the spread of an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo to neighboring countries. New cases of the virus have since been been identified outside of the continent, in countries including Thailand , Philippines , Sweden and Pakistan . Health officials are raising concerns because many of the new cases in Africa have been identified as a new and deadlier strain, known as clade 1b.

The new strain has also been confirmed outside of the continent, in Thailand. CNBC breaks down what we know so far. What is mpox? Mpox is a viral infection that spreads through close contact, including sexual contact.

It causes flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills and muscle aches, as well as lesions filled with pus. While usually mild, it can be fatal. There are broadly two types of of mpox, known as clades, with the latest outbreak identified as clade 1.

The current strain appears to spread more easily and has a higher fatality rate when compared with the 2022 strain known as clade 2. It also appears to disproportionately affect young people, with most deaths occurring among children. Why are cases rising? A new offshoot of clade 1, known as clade 1b, is said to be responsible for the recent uptick in cases, according to the WHO.

The WHO said that clade 1b is spreading person to person, often through sexual contact. While fi.