As monkeypox cases surge globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) called on the group currently most affected by the virus - men who have sex with men - to limit their sexual partners.
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared monkeypox a global health emergency of international concern, and told delegates that the best way to protect against infection was "to reduce the risk of exposure".
The WHO says more than 18,000 cases and a total of five deaths have been reported from 78 countries.
Ghebreyesus says 98% of cases are men who had sex with men, however, it is important to know that the virus can be spread through close contact with other people such as hugging, kissing and sharing contaminated towels or bedding.
He says anyone exposed can get monkeypox which is why WHO recommends that countries take action to reduce the risk of transmission to other vulnerable groups, including those who are immunosuppressed.
Ghebreyesus says mass vaccination is not recommended yet but rather targeted vaccination such as health and lab workers or those who have multiple sexual partners.
The WHO reconvened on Wednesday to discuss the monkeypox outbreak.
A surge in monkeypox infections has been reported since early May outside the West and Central African countries where the disease has long been endemic.
Only three cases have been confirmed in South Africa.
