Mpox (monkeypox) outbreak

About the mpox (monkeypox) outbreak

Monkeypox is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It is a zoonotic viral disease that can spread from animals to humans. It transmits through close physical contact with someone who is infected with the virus.

Symptoms of monkeypox typically include a fever, intense headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, swollen lymph nodes, and a skin rash or lesions.

Our response

As the situation rapidly evolves, WHO’s Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean is working closely with all countries to ensure that potential cases are quickly identified, tested and responded to. WHO is also providing information to health ministries, health workers, communities and the general public to inform them of monkeypox and how to protect themselves and their loved ones.