WHO declares mpox outbreak in Africa a global health emergency, with at least 450 deaths reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
A new, more dangerous variant (Clade 1b) is spreading rapidly across parts of central and east Africa, causing concern among scientists due to its high fatality rate.
Mpox is transmitted through close contact and causes flu-like symptoms, skin lesions, and can be fatal in up to 4% of cases.
Over 13,700 mpox cases in DR Congo this year, with spread to neighboring African countries.