Monkeypox Cases Spread In Europe; WHO To Convene Emergency Meeting

London: France, Germany and Belgium on Friday confirmed their first cases of monkeypox, while the number of people infected with this virus doubled in Britain following the detection of 11 more cases today.

European nations Spain, Italy, Portugal and Sweden, as well as Canada, Australia and the US have, in recent days, reported the disease which is endemic to parts of Africa.

The World Health Organisation (WHO), which had voiced concern over the infection spreading to various countries, has decided to convene an emergency meeting of experts to discuss the threat of monkeypox, The Telegraph reported.

Also Read: What Is Monkeypox Virus? UK Experts Warn Gay, Bisexual Men

French authorities said a 29-year-old had tested positive, Belgium detected two cases and Germany one.

Spain reported 14 new cases, taking the total caseload to 21, while the UK tally went up to 20.

The UK Health Security Agency has warned gay and bisexual men, urging them to be aware of any unusual rashes or lesions.

“We are seeing transmission among men having sex with men,” WHO had said earlier this week.

The monkeypox virus originates in wild animals like rodents and primates, and then spreads to humans.

It belongs to the smallpox family, and usually manifests itself in a mild infection with symptoms that include fever, headaches and skin rashes.