WHO: 18,000 cases of monkeypox reported so far

More than 18,000 cases of monkeypox have so far been reported to the World Health Organization, or WHO, from 78 countries, resulting in five deaths.

In a media briefing on Wednesday, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, said that more than 70 percent of the cases reported are from Europe, and 25 percent from the Americas.

"This is an outbreak that can be stopped, if countries, communities and individuals inform themselves, take the risks seriously, and take the steps needed to stop transmission and protect vulnerable groups," he said.

He warned that stigma and discrimination can be as dangerous as any virus, and can fuel the outbreak.

"As we have seen with COVID-19, misinformation and disinformation can spread rapidly online, so we call on social media platforms, tech companies and news organizations to work with us to prevent and counter harmful information," he said.

Tedros added that in addition to transmission through sexual contact, "monkeypox can be spread in households through close contact between people, such as hugging and kissing, and on contaminated towels or bedding".

The WHO said that those exposed to someone with monkeypox, and those at high risk of exposure, including health workers, some laboratory workers, and people with multiple sexual partners, should get vaccinated.

But health officials say they will not be recommending mass vaccination against monkeypox yet.

One smallpox vaccine, called MVA-BN, has been approved in Canada, the European Union and the United States, for use against monkeypox, and two other vaccines are also being considered.

Tedros also called on countries that are using vaccines to collect and share information on their effectiveness, as there is still a lack of data on the effectiveness of vaccines for monekypox, or how many doses are needed.

He also raised concerns about vaccine availability.

"There are about 16 million doses of MVA-BN globally. Most are in bulk form, meaning they will take several months to 'fill and finish' into vials that are ready to use," he said. "Several countries with monkeypox cases have secured supplies of the MVA-BN vaccine, and WHO is in contact with other countries to understand their supply needs."

The WHO is urging countries with smallpox vaccines to share them with countries that do not have them.

"We must ensure equitable access to vaccines for all individuals and communities affected by monkeypox, in all countries, in all regions," Tedros added. "While vaccines will be an important tool, surveillance, diagnosis and risk reduction remain central to preventing transmission and stopping this outbreak."

On Saturday, the WHO declared a public health emergency of international concern over the outbreak.