All variants of the monkeypox virus continue to circulate in several countries. Between January 1 and June 30, 2025, a total of 30,022 cases were reported worldwide, according to a report published on the website of the World Health Organization (WHO).

In August 2024, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared the monkeypox outbreak in Africa a public health emergency of international concern, according to RIA Novosti. “All variants of the monkeypox virus continue to circulate in several countries. If monkeypox outbreaks are not quickly contained and human-to-human transmission is not interrupted, they continue to pose a risk of sustained community transmission,” the report states.

According to the organization, from January 1 to June 30, 2025, a total of 30,022 cases and 119 deaths were reported in 79 countries, mainly in Africa. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been the hardest hit, with 13,927 cases and 42 deaths since January, followed by Uganda with 6,230 cases and 35 deaths, and Sierra Leone with 4,876 cases and 42 deaths.

Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that can be dangerous for individuals with weakened immune systems. The infection is typically accompanied by fever, intoxication, swollen lymph nodes, and the subsequent spread of a rash — initially appearing as spots that turn into blisters, which then rupture to form ulcers. These ulcers later scab over, and once the scabs fall off, scars may remain. In mild cases, the disease usually resolves on its own and lasts from 14 to 21 days.