Image of monkeypox virus under a microscope. Photo: AFP/VNA

Experts say that monkeypox is not a new disease that is usually non-lethal, and current vaccines are still effective in preventing it. The disease is quite common in some areas of Africa, where the virus is transmitted from certain species of primates and rodents to humans, sometimes from person to person, and rarely in other parts of the world until recently.

The UK has the highest number of monkeypox cases in Europe with more than 71 cases. Other countries have also recorded many cases of monkeypox, including Spain, Portugal, and Italy.

The European Center for Disease Control and Prevention warns that if the virus affects animals in Europe and continues to spread from person to person, possible outbreaks can become dangerous and hard to control. In order to prevent the spread of the disease, European health officials are urging member countries to prepare tracing options, increase the supply of vaccines, and strengthen treatment and diagnostics.