A new infectious disease has been cast into the spotlight. What used to be a rare viral disease typically found in Africa, has been found spreading rapidly into Europe, North America and Australia in the past week. As of Monday, more than 100 cases of monkeypox infection were detected in 15 countries, surpassing the total number of cases detected outside of Africa since the virus was first detected in 1970. 

Scientists are baffled by the spread as many confirmed and suspected cases of monkeypox had no direct travel links to Africa. It is still not clear how the virus has been transmitted, although experts believe that the current outbreak is spread through contact with skin lesions or bodily fluids of an infected person. Many of the diagnosed cases are men who had sex with men. 

The UK is expecting a surge in numbers as local transmission has been confirmed. To contain the virus, Belgium has become the first country to declare a mandatory 21 days quarantine for anyone testing positive for monkeypox. The World Health Organisation (WHO) is expecting more cases to emerge as it steps up surveillance of the disease. 

Monkeypox typically causes fever, chills, rash, and lesions on the face or genitals. According to the WHO, symptoms usually appear in six to 13 days and can last for two to four weeks. Smallpox vaccines are found to be 85% protective against monkeypox and some antiviral drugs are currently being developed.