An mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed 548 people since the start of the year, with all provinces affected by the virus, the health minister said on Thursday in a statement.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday declared the mpox surge in Africa a global public health emergency, worried by the rise in cases in DRC and the spread to nearby countries.

"According to the latest epidemiological report, our country has recorded 15,664 potential cases and 548 deaths since the beginning of the year," Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kamba said.

The UN health agency's decision came the day after the African Union's health watchdog declared its own public health emergency over the growing outbreak.

Meanwhile in the SAR, the government said it will continue to closely monitor the mpox situation and step up preventive measures.

The Department of Health said it had written to doctors and hospitals in the territory, urging them to report suspected cases.

The authorities will also strengthen travel health advice for people visiting Africa. (Additional reporting by AFP)