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LONDON – World Health Organization says “sustained transmission” of monkeypox worldwide could see the virus begin to spread to high-risk groups such as pregnant women, immunocompromised people and children .
The WHO said Wednesday it is investigating reports of infected children, including two cases in the UK, as well as monitoring reports in Spain and France. None of the cases in children have been serious.
The virus has now been identified in more than 50 new countries outside the countries of Africa where it is endemic. Cases are also on the rise in these countries, said the WHO, which called for increased evidence.
“I am concerned about sustained transmission because it would suggest that the virus be established and could spread to high-risk groups such as children, immunocompromised women and pregnant women,” said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. (Reporting by Jennifer Rigby and Mrinalika Roy; Editing by Catherine Evans)