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The World Health Organisation (WHO) and partners are working together to understand better the extent and cause of a recent outbreak of monkeypox.
The virus is endemic in some animal populations in a number of countries, leading to occasional outbreaks among local people and travellers.
The recent outbreaks reported across 12 countries are atypical, as they are occurring in non-endemic countries.
There are more than 80 confirmed cases so far, and dozens pending investigations.
More cases are likely to be reported as surveillance expands.
Affected countries include: the USA; Australia; Belgium; Canada; France; Germany; Italy; Netherlands; Portugal; Spain; United Kingdom
WHO is working with the affected countries to expand surveillance to find and support people who may be affected, and to provide guidance on how to manage the disease.
Monkeypox spreads differently from COVID-19.
People are encouraged to stay informed from reliable sources, such as national health authorities, on the extent of the outbreak in their community (if any),
As monkeypox spreads through close contact, the response should focus on the people affected and their close contacts.
People who closely interact with someone who is infectious are at greater risk for infection: this includes health workers, household members and sexual partners.
This disease is more common in Africa, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo where 1 238 cases have been confirmed in the last six months.
Scientists from Africa are, however, puzzled as the outbreak in the Northern Hemisphere is not linked to recent travels to Africa.
To learn more about Monkeypox click here.
