Nearly 5,000 cases of the monkeypox virus have been reported worldwide this year. In more than 40 countries where the virus was practically non-existent until May, 3308 cases have now been registered, according to the American health authority CDC.
Figures from the World Health Organization (WHO) show an additional 1,600 infections in eight African countries that have had such outbreaks for years.
The WHO called on experts on Thursday to assess whether an “emergency of international concern” has now emerged, the highest alert level WHO can set. The WHO usually follows the recommendations of the experts. It is expected that the advice will not come on Thursday, but only later this week.
Most cases outside Africa have been reported in Europe, namely 2,746. Almost all infected persons are men. About 44 percent are between the ages of 31 and 40. So far, no deaths have been reported.