The monkeypox virus is a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae. The WHO has already warned the world the spread of cases could 'accelerate'. The rapid spread of a virus normally endemic to parts of Africa was exemplified yesterday with France, Belgium and Germany all reporting first cases within hours of each other, and the United Kingdom, Spain and Portugal reporting substantial increases in caseloads. The World Health Organization on Friday said there are 80 confirmed cases (some data suggests this is over 100 already) and around 50 suspected cases, with more likely as surveillance expands. An outbreak of the monkeypox virus in Europe - with cases also reported in the United States, Canada, and Australia - has raised red flags worldwide, even as these and other nations still fight the Covid pandemic.
