ANKARA

Spain has the highest number of monkeypox cases worldwide with 3,125 confirmed infections, according to World Health Organization (WHO).

It is followed by the US with 2,316, Germany with 2,268, the UK with 2,137, France with 1,453 and the Netherlands with 712 cases, the UN health agency said in its second situation report published Monday.

Total cases exceeded 16,000 in 75 territories since May and the European region is considered the highest risk globally with 11,865.

Only five related deaths have been recorded in the African region.

Monkeypox is a virus that causes disease with similar but less severe symptoms to smallpox, including fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes.

Human-to-human transmission is limited but it can be passed through contact with bodily fluids, skin lesions or internal mucosal surfaces, such as in the mouth or throat, respiratory droplets and contaminated objects.