As of 23 July 2022, more than 70 countries* had reported outbreaks of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) a viral zoonotic disease, with more than 16 800 people infected.

In November 2022, the WHO began using a new preferred term “mpox” as a synonym for monkeypox. The reason for the change: when the 2022/2023 outbreak of monkeypox expanded, racist and stigmatizing language began to surface. As a result, the WHO changed the name to mpox after a series of consultations. 

On 23 July 2022, with cases continuing to rise sharply, the Director-General of the WHO determined that the multi-country outbreak of mpox constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. It is important to be aware of what the mpox outbreaks mean for public health, and what must be done to prevent infections and care for those who are ill.

This One Health Toolkit provides a set of tools and resources to help journalists report on the mpox outbreaks, and is the first in a new One Health Toolkit series designed to help journalists better report on One-Health: the interconnections between the health of humans, animals & the environment.

*Consult a tracker like this one from the CDC for the latest figures, as the situation may change rapidly.