The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years, following a significant outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that has spread to neighboring countries. This declaration comes after an emergency committee convened earlier on Wednesday to assess the situation.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced the decision, stating that the outbreak constitutes a “public health emergency of international concern” (PHEIC), which is the highest level of alert by the WHO. PHEIC status is intended to expedite international research, funding, and cooperative public health measures to address and contain the disease.

“It’s clear that a coordinated international response is essential to stop these outbreaks and save lives,” Tedros emphasized in his statement.

Mpox, which can spread through close contact, typically causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions on the body. While usually mild, the disease can be fatal in rare cases. The current outbreak, which began in the DRC with an endemic strain known as clade I, has been complicated by the emergence of a new variant, clade Ib. This new variant appears to spread more easily through routine close contact, including sexual contact.

The outbreak has not been confined to the DRC; it has also spread to neighboring countries including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, prompting the WHO’s emergency response.

“The detection and rapid spread of a new clade of mpox in eastern DRC, its detection in neighboring countries that had not previously reported mpox, and the potential for further spread within Africa and beyond is very worrying,” Tedros added.

In response to the emergency, the WHO has released $1.5 million in contingency funds and plans to release additional funds in the coming days. The organization’s response plan will require an initial $15 million, and the WHO intends to appeal to donors for further financial support.

Earlier this week, Africa’s top public health body also declared an mpox emergency for the continent, highlighting the alarming rate at which the viral infection is spreading.