LONDON (Reuters)

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) European chief said on Friday (May 20) he is concerned that the spread of monkeypox could accelerate in the region as people gather for parties and festivals over the summer months.

“As we enter the summer season in the European region, with mass gatherings, festivals and parties, I am concerned that transmission could accelerate, as the cases currently being detected are among those engaging in sexual activity, and the symptoms are unfamiliar to many,” WHO regional director for Europe Hans Kluge said in a statement.

Kluge’s remarks come just moments after the WHO called an emergency meeting to discuss potential risks with the monkeypox virus, which has since been detected in several European and African countries as well as the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and Australia.

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