The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that monkeypox is no longer considered a global public health emergency, nearly a year after the threat was initially raised. While the virus still poses a risk and future outbreaks may occur, the WHO has downgraded the alert level. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged countries to maintain vigilance.

Monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus, a less severe relative of the smallpox virus. It can be transmitted through close contact with an infected person. Symptoms include fever, headaches, muscle pain, and skin rash. Vaccines are available for protection against the virus.

During the global outbreak, over 87,000 cases and 140 deaths were reported in 111 countries, according to the WHO. However, the number of cases recorded in the past three months has decreased by almost 90% compared to the previous three-month period. As a result, the highest level of alert is no longer deemed necessary.

In the UK, only 10 cases have been reported since the beginning of the year. The WHO’s declaration comes shortly after it declared an end to the global health emergency related to COVID-19.

The only remaining WHO-declared public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) is for poliovirus, declared in May 2014. Dr. Katy Sinka, head of sexually transmitted infections at the UK Health Security Agency, encouraged eligible individuals to receive the monkeypox vaccine before the summer months for maximum protection, as the vaccine’s first doses will end on June 16 and both doses will cease at the end of July.