Cases of the monkeypox virus have tripled around the world - but the World Health Organisation (WHO) is confident that the spread does not merit a label of "endemic".
The WHO has said there were at least 780 cases of monkeypox discovered from May 13 to June 2 and currently assesses the global risk level as "moderate".
Globally, the UK has the highest number of new cases with 207 outside an endemic area, followed by Spain with 156 and Portugal with 138.
Overall, most of the new cases are in Europe and North America as well as a handful in Mexico, Argentina, Morocco and the United Arab Emirates.
Health experts have said the risk to the general public "remains low," however, there is the chance that this risk could be heightened if the virus continues to spread in new countries.
The WHO warned that Europe remains "at the epicentre of the largest and most geographically widespread monkeypox outbreak ever reported outside of endemic areas in western and central Africa".
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The organisation said that the rapid transmission had been aided by the lifting of travel restrictions and warned that large in-person events over the summer could threaten to aid the spread of the virus.
"Rapid, amplified transmission has occurred in the context of the recent lifting of pandemic restrictions on international travel and events," the WHO explained.
"The potential for further transmission in Europe and elsewhere over the summer is high. Monkeypox has already spread against the backdrop of several mass gatherings in the Region.
"Over the coming months, many of the dozens of festivals and large parties planned provide further contexts where amplification may occur.
"But they also provide powerful opportunities to engage with young, sexually active and globally mobile persons to raise awareness and strengthen individual and community protection."
People who closely interact with someone who is infectious are at greater risk for infection, and this includes household members, sexual partners, and healthcare workers.
There is speculation from health officials that the virus has been in circulation for longer than originally thought.
Dr. Rosamund Lewis, the WHO's technical lead for monkeypox said: "There may have been undetected transmission for a while.
"What we don't know is how long that may have been. We don't know if it's weeks, months, or possibly a couple of years."
The virus is spread through close contact, including contact with the skin rash of someone infected with the virus.
It begins with symptoms of fever, headache, muscle aches and exhaustion, before progressing to a rash which often appears on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body.
The distinguishing feature of monkeypox compared to smallpox is the swelling of lymph nodes.
The illness typically lasts from two weeks to a month.
The incubation period of the virus is between five and 21 days, at which points symptoms are likely to appear.
The virus rarely kills healthy adults, according to the WHO.
However, it can be dangerous to children, pregnant women and those who are immunocompromised.
