WHO says monkeypox could be transmitted worldwide

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WHO says monkeypox could be transmitted worldwide

The World Health Organization said that the monkeypox could be transmitted worldwide, which could lead to the spread of the virus into high risk groups, like pregnant women, immunocompromised people, and children. WHO said on Wednesday it was looking into reports of infected children, including two cases in the United Kingdom, as well as following up reports in Spain and France. None of the cases in children have been severe.

The virus has now been identified in more than 50 new countries outside the countries in Africa where it is endemic. In those countries, cases are also rising and WHO has called for testing to be ramped up. The WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he was concerned about sustained transmission because it would suggest that the virus establishing itself and it could move into high risk groups, including children, immunocompromised and pregnant women.