The current outbreak is the largest ever seen outside of Africa. Although primarily seen in Central and West Africa, isolated cases are occasionally reported in Europe and elsewhere, often involving travellers. Despite its name, it is most commonly associated with rodents. Monkeypox, which is related to smallpox, is not a new disease. Many of the men reported recent international travel. Several cases are reportedly linked to a sauna in Spain and a fetish festival in Belgium. Many of the affected men identify as gay or bisexual or sought care at sexual health clinics.

Among the Global.health cases with a known sex and age, all but three are young or middle-aged men. An informal tally by Global.health, compiled from various sources, listed more than 300 confirmed or suspected cases worldwide as of 25 May.Ĭases so far have “mainly but not exclusively been identified amongst men who have sex with men,” according to WHO. After the UK, the most cases have been reported in Spain and Portugal, with smaller numbers in several other European countries, Canada, the United States and Australia. The latest WHO update on 21 May listed 92 confirmed and 28 suspected cases. Find out more: What does the monkeypox outbreak mean for people living with HIV?