Rapid, amplified transmission has occurred in the context of the recent lifting of pandemic restrictions on international travel and events.
The potential for further transmission in Europe and elsewhere over the summer is high.
The WHO European Region remains at the epicentre of the largest and most geographically widespread monkeypox outbreak ever reported outside of endemic areas in western and central Africa.
Investigations into past cases show that the outbreak in our region was certainly underway as early as mid-April.
Most people who get monkeypox will have a mild and self-limiting but unpleasant and potentially painful disease that may last up to several weeks.
We do not yet know if we will be able to contain its spread completely.
