UPDATE: Multi-Country Monkeypox Outbreak In Non-Endemic Countries

Since 13 May 2022, cases of monkeypox have been reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO) from 12 Member States that are not endemic to the monkeypox virus, across three WHO regions.

Epidemiological inquiries are ongoing, however, reported cases thus far have no conventional travel links to endemic areas. 

Based on currently available information, cases have mainly but not solely been identified amongst men who have sex with men (MSM) seeking care in primary care and sexual health clinics.

The motive of this Disease Outbreak News is to raise awareness, inform willingness and response efforts, and provide specialized guidance for abrupt recommended actions.

Immediate actions focus on informing those who may be most at risk for monkeypox infection with accurate information, to stop further spread. Currently, available evidence suggests that those who are most at risk are those who have had close physical contact with someone with monkeypox, while they are symptomatic. WHO is also working to guide to protect frontline health care providers and other health workers who may be at risk such as cleaners. WHO will be providing more technical recommendations in the coming days. 

Narrative of the outbreak

As of 21 May, 92 laboratory-confirmed cases, and 28 suspected cases of monkeypox with scrutiny ongoing, have been reported to WHO from 12 Member States that are not endemic to monkeypox virus, across three WHO regions. No associated deaths have been reported to date.

See cases of monkeypox in non-endemic countries reported to WHO between the 13th to 21st of May 2022 in the table below