The World Health Network (WHN) has declared the current monkeypox outbreak a pandemic after 58 countries reported 3,417 confirmed cases.

The outbreak is spreading rapidly across multiple continents and will not stop without concerted global action, it said in a statement.

While the death rate is well below that of smallpox, unless action is taken to stop the spread of smallpox, millions will die, and many more will be blinded and disabled, the report said.

The WHN added that the purpose of declaring monkeypox a pandemic is for multiple countries or parts of the world to work together to prevent widespread harm.

According to the WHO, monkeypox typically presents clinically as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes and can lead to various medical complications. It is usually a self-limiting disease with symptoms lasting 2 to 4 weeks.