Monkeypox outbreaks puzzle health authorities

More than 50 suspected cases of the virus in 'unprecedented' clusters are being investigated in Western countries
Symptoms of monkeypox virus. Photo: Getty

Small outbreaks of monkeypox, a disease rarely seen outside Africa, have now been reported in four Western countries, with a cluster in England predominantly affecting men who have sex with men, health authorities say. 

UK health officials are now advising individuals â€” particularly those who are gay, bisexual or men who have sex with men (MSM) — to be alert to any unusual rashes or lesions on any part of their body, especially genitalia.