As of March 2026, mpox transmission continues globally across all clades, with clade Ib now confirmed for the first time in Argentina, Ecuador, Austria, the Central African Republic, Russia and Singapore and community transmission documented in five European countries (Austria, Belgium, Portugal, Spain, and the UK).
Sustained community transmission in Madagascar (clade Ib), Pakistan.
DRC Ministry of Health officially declares the end of the mpox epidemic as a national public health emergency on April 2, 2026.
A recombinant clade Ib/IIb strain has been detected in two travelers, with evidence suggesting wider circulation than currently documented (see WHO).
End of March, EMA’s committee for human medicines has issued a recommendation that Tecovirimat SIGA should not longer be used for the treatment of mpox (see EMA).
See also WHO global trends.
Risk very low for general populations but moderate for at risk groups.
Follow recommendations issued by local health authorities.
- Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with individuals who have, or may have, mpox, including anyone with a rash (pimples, blisters, scabs).
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer at least 60% alcohol).
- Avoid touching potentially contaminated personal items such as bedding, clothing, towels, cups, or eating utensils used by someone with suspected or confirmed mpox.
- Avoid sexual contact with sick people; use condoms for up to 12 weeks if your sexual partner has had mpox.
- For people belonging to an at-risk group, vaccination may be indicated. See Mpox factsheet. Avoid contact with animals in areas where mpox regularly occurs.
- Avoid eating or preparing meat from wild animals (bushmeat) or using products (creams, lotions, powders) derived from wild animals.