mpox monkey pox
© ReutersA patient infected by mpox virus gets tested.
WHO issued the highest level of alert amid mpox outbreak which has become a global concern because it is rapidly spreading through close contact
After the strains of mpox virus were detected outside Africa, World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) officials on Friday (August 16) advised countries not to close borders or impose any travel restrictions.

At least one case of the mpox virus was confirmed by the health ministry of Pakistan. This virus has become a global concern because it is rapidly spreading through close contact.

"There is no need to close borders. When we are in disease outbreaks, diseases don't recognise borders, people will continue to cross a border, whether it is illegal crossing or not an illegal crossing. It doesn't stop the disease from spreading," said IFRC senior officer Bronwyn Nichol, while addressing a United Nations press briefing in Geneva.

WHO issues highest level of alert against mpox outbreak

WHO spokesperson Margaret Harris said that a list of temporary recommendations will be published by her agency for the countries.

The WHO announced that the outbreak of this disease is a public health emergency at the international level after they identified a new variant of the virus.

On Thursday (August 15), global health officials confirmed that a new strain of the mpox virus has been detected in Sweden.

"On Sweden, in fact, this is in a sense a really good news. I mean, it's not good news for the person who's got the infection, but it shows the system has worked and that countries have really stepped up their vigilance," WHO spokesperson Margaret Harris said.

The WHO sounded the highest level of alert on Wednesday (August 14) after the mpox outbreak was reported in Africa.