KUALA LUMPUR (May 21): Monkeypox has been reported in 11 countries, beyond the ones where it is endemic, said World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

In a tweet on Friday (May 20), he said WHO is working with experts to assess the situation, expand surveillance and provide guidance to countries.

“Surveillance, contact tracing, accurate information and support are key to stopping the spread,” he said.

Meanwhile, the WHO said it is working with its partners to better understand the extent and cause of an outbreak of monkeypox.

In a statement on its website, WHO said the virus is endemic in some animal populations in a number of countries, leading to occasional outbreaks among local people and travellers.

It said the recent outbreaks reported across 11 countries so far are atypical, as they are occurring in non-endemic countries.

WHO said there are about 80 confirmed cases so far, and 50 pending investigations. More cases are likely to be reported as surveillance expands.

WHO said it is working with the affected countries and others to expand disease surveillance to find and support people who may be affected, and to provide guidance on how to manage the disease.

“We continue to convene meetings of experts and technical advisory groups (such as the meeting today of the Strategic & Technical Advisory Group on Infectious Hazards with Pandemic and Epidemic Potential [STAG-IH]) to share information on the disease and response strategies.

“WHO continues to receive updates on the status of ongoing outbreaks in endemic countries.

“Monkeypox spreads differently from Covid-19. WHO encourages people to stay informed from reliable sources, such as national health authorities, on the extent of the outbreak in their community (if any), symptoms and prevention,” it said.