The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned of a possible further spread of monkeypox at festivals and big events planned for this summer in Europe.

Hans Henri Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe, said the potential for further transmission in Europe and elsewhere over the summer is high.

Mr Kluge, however, said festivals and celebrations planned for the coming months would also offer an opportunity to raise awareness and strengthen individual and community protection among the young, the sexually active and the globally mobile.

He stated that investigations into the cases suggest that the outbreak in Europe started in mid-April. The WHO director added that it was the largest and most geographically widespread ever reported outside West and Central Africa areas where monkeypox is endemic.

“Although many cases so far have been linked to sexual activity, the virus could affect anyone. As the virus didn’t spread through the same pathways as COVID-19, there is no need for the sweeping public health measures imposed in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic,” explained Mr Kluge. “But this is important, we do not yet know if we will be able to contain its spread completely.” 

(dpa/NAN)