Monkeypox, a mild viral infection, is endemic in the African countries of Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria.
The recent epidemic in non-endemic countries has raised concerns. The strain circulating around the world is said to have a mortality rate of around 1%, although effective vaccines and treatments are available.
In an online briefing, WHO senior epidemiologist Maria Van Kerkhove said cases had been detected so far in more than 20 non-endemic countries, adding that the agency expected that the numbers are increasing.
“We expect more cases to be detected. We are asking countries to increase surveillance… This is a manageable situation. It will be difficult, but it is a manageable situation in non-endemic countries. .”