The World Health Organization (WHO) has said it is investigating the fact that many cases reported were people identifying as gay, bisexual or men who have sex with men. Most initial cases have been among men who have sex with men and sought treatment at sexual health clinics, Kluge said, adding 'this suggests that transmission may have been ongoing for some time'. The health official warned that transmission could be boosted by the fact that 'the cases currently being detected are among those engaging in sexual activity', and many do not recognise the symptoms. 'All but one of the recent cases have no relevant travel history to areas where monkeypox is endemic,' he added. The virus, which causes distinctive pustules but is rarely fatal, has previously been seen in central and west Africa.īut over recent weeks cases have been detected in European countries including Portugal and Sweden as well as the United States, Canada and Australia, Kluge said, calling the spread 'atypical'. with mass gatherings, festivals and parties, I am concerned that transmission could accelerate'.
WHO regional director for Europe Hans Kluge said that 'as we enter the summer season. A top European health official warned Friday that cases of the rare monkeypox virus could accelerate in the coming months, as the virus has spread to at least eight European countries.
