The World Health Organization WHO is calling an emergency meeting following new alarm reports on the spread of mpox, previously known as monkeypox virus.
An outbreak of mpox was discovered in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but appears to have spread beyond the initial infection areas and to more countries.
WHO's Secretary-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that WHO's emergency committee will meet "as soon as possible" to provide advice on whether the outbreak constitutes a "public health emergency of international concern".
If a public health emergency is declared, WHO can introduce emergency measures.
The current variant of mpox, called Clade 1b, causes rashes all over the body. The virus is transmitted through ordinary skin contact and from mother to child. It is suspected to be behind a large number of miscarriages and stillbirths.
In July, the WHO chief said that over 11,000 cases had been reported and that 445 deaths could be confirmed.
