WHO panel: Monkeypox not a global emergency 'at this stage'

The World Health Organization said the escalating monkeypox outbreak in more than 50 countries should be closely monitored but does not warrant being declared a global health emergency.

WHO nevertheless pointed to the “emergency nature” of the outbreak and said controlling its spread requires an "intense" response. WHO said this week it has confirmed more than 3,200 monkeypox infections in about 40 countries.