The head of the World Health Organization's (WHO) European office has warned that Europe continues to be the epicenter of a surge in monkeypox outbreaks, AFP news agency reported.
"Europe remains the epicenter of this increase, with more than 1,500 cases reported from 25 countries," Hans Kluj, director of the WHO's European office, said at a press conference.
This accounted for around 85% of reported cases worldwide.
The WHO classifies Europe into 53 countries, including Russia and parts of Central Asia.
Monkey smallpox is a viral disease known to be endemic to some countries in Central and West Africa. Since May of this year, many infections and suspected cases have been reported in the United States and Europe.
"The scale of this outbreak is becoming a real risk," Kluj said. "The longer the virus spreads, the greater its reach."
He also warned that the risk could increase with the onset of summer, when various large-scale events, including festivals, are scheduled across Europe.