Global monkeypox cases rise to over 550 after virus spread undetected, WHO says

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organization, announced on June 1, 2022, that the sudden appearance of monkeypox in several countries suggests that the disease had been spreading undetected for some time. Tedros said more than 550 confirmed cases in 30 countries had been reported to the WHO. The United Kingdom currently has the highest number reported of any country. Transmission occurs through close physical contact with an infected person. With the disease still evolving, the WHO expects to uncover more cases.