According to the World Health Organization, there have been 780 confirmed cases of monkeypox in areas where the virus is not normally present.
It recorded 257 instances a week ago, which is approximately quadruple the current number.
It claims that the figure is likely an underestimate over the previous three weeks, and that the worldwide danger level is “moderate.”
Although the illness is generally minor, it has spread far outside of Central and West Africa for the first time.
According to the WHO, instances have been reported in 27 countries where it is not yet “endemic” – that is, where it is expected to be found.
The majority of the new cases have been reported in Europe and North America, with a few instances reported in Mexico, Argentina, Morocco, and the United Arab Emirates.
The United Kingdom has the highest instances (207), followed by Spain (156), and Portugal (138).
According to the WHO’s most recent assessment, several nations are reporting new cases beyond known contacts of previously confirmed cases, implying that transmission chains are being “missed through undiscovered viral movement.”
“It is quite possible that additional nations will find instances, resulting in further viral transmission,” the report continued.
While the present risk to the general population’s health “remains modest,” the public health risk might “become significant” if the virus spreads to nations where it is not generally prevalent, according to the report. There have been no confirmed deaths as a result of the current epidemic.
The World Health Organization stated that the majority, but not all, of the recorded cases so far had involved males having intercourse with men. Monkeypox is not believed to be sexually transmitted, rather it is spread through intimate contact.
Many instances were not presenting with the traditional clinical picture for monkeypox, according to the organization, with pustules emerging before symptoms like fever.
The virus usually clears up on its own after a few weeks. Fever, headaches, swellings, back discomfort, aching muscles, and a rash that passes through phases are all symptoms.
Monkeypox, on the other hand, can be more severe at times and has been linked to fatalities in West Africa in the past.