LONDON, May 22 (Reuters) – The World Health Organization (WHO) expects more cases of monkeypox to be identified around the world, as the agency monitors the emergence of the disease in countries where it does not usually spread.

The WHO said that as of Saturday, 92 cases of monkeypox had been confirmed in twelve countries and 28 others were considered suspected, where the virus is not endemic.

The UN agency said it would provide additional information and recommendations on how to limit the spread of the disease in the countries concerned.

“According to the information we have, human-to-human transmission occurs in people who have close physical contact with infected people and who show symptoms,” the WHO said.

Monkeypox, rare in Europe, until now was mainly seen in Central and West Africa. It spreads when people come in close contact with infected people and can be easily controlled by implementing isolation and hygiene measures.

David Heyman, an American infectious disease epidemiologist and public health expert working for the WHO, told Reuters: “The virus is currently transmitted as a sexually transmitted infection, which has increased its worldwide transmission tenfold. ”

David Heyman clarified that people who believe they have been exposed to the virus or have symptoms such as fever or rash should not have close contact with others.

(Reports Jennifer Rigby and Akanksha Joy; French version Camille Raynaud)