There have been no reports of Monkeypox infections in Malta, but physicians have been warned

Cases have been reported in the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and Portugal.

Updated at 3:35 p.m. to incorporate a newly found case in Italy.

There are presently no confirmed or suspected instances of monkeypox in Malta, according to health officials, while the virus spreads across Europe.

Monkeypox is an uncommon illness. It has happened due to interaction with wild animals in West and Central Africa. Since several weeks, there are reported cases in Spain, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Italy got its first case on Thursday. It it was found in a young adult who had just returned from the Canary Islands. He is being treated in isolation and seems to be in good health. Two more such instances are being studied.

Canada has said that it is examining more than a dozen potential instances.

 A spokeswoman for the Health Ministry stated that, no instances have been discovered locally. Physicians have been advised to keep an eye out for individuals who may be developing symptoms.

"There have been no confirmed or suspected cases reported in Malta," the official said.

"The health authorities are monitoring the situation and have advised physicians to report any suspicious cases."

Monkeypox symptoms are comparable to yet less severe than smallpox symptoms. Infected persons get flu-like symptoms such as fever, aches and chills, as well as enlarged lymph nodes.

Since May 6, there have been nine confirmed cases of monkeypox in the UK, 30 suspected cases in Spain and Portugal, and one confirmed case in the United States.

Most persons who catch the virus recover within a few weeks, and it has only proved deadly in extremely rare situations.

As per the World Health Organization report on Wednesday, one cluster of the virus in the UK had emerged from the same household. Four additional cases were reported through sexual health services, where a cluster of male gay and bisexual patients presented with a rash and  symptoms of illness.

The source of the illness has yet to be determined.  Evidence suggests that it was acquired locally in the UK. The patients were being isolated, and thorough contact tracking was taking place, they added.

"We really need to better understand the extent of monkeypox in endemic countries... to really understand how much is circulating and the risk that it poses for people who live there, as well as the risk of exportation," infectious disease epidemiologist Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove said at a WHO press conference on Tuesday.

The WHO also stated that on May 7, one person returned to the UK after visiting Nigeria and tested positive for monkeypox; however, this case does not seem to be connected to the previously described clusters.

According to the UK Health Security Agency, although monkeypox has not previously been classed as a sexually transmitted illness, it may be passed on by direct touch during sex.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, monkeypox may be transmitted by contact with monkeypox sores or things contaminated with fluids or sorer.

Based on existing knowledge, the WHO has not suggested any restrictions on travel or commerce with the United Kingdom and will continue to evaluate the situation.