Belgium becomes first country to introduce mandatory monkeypox quarantine as global cases rise - CNBC

Belgium has become the first country to introduce a mandatory 21-day quarantine for monkeypox patients as cases of the disease — typically endemic to Africa — spread across the globe.

Though typically less severe than smallpox, health experts are growing concerned about the genesis of a recent outbreak, starting in early May, in countries beyond Central and West Africa.

As of Saturday, the World Health Organization reported there were 92 cases in 12 countries, and a further 28 suspected cases under investigation.

The public health body said recent reported cases had no links to travel from endemic African countries, which is unusual for the disease.

"Epidemiological investigations are ongoing, however, reported cases thus far have no established travel links to endemic areas," the WHO said in a statement posted on its website Saturday.

"To have it appear now — more than 100 cases in 12 different countries with no obvious connection — means we have to figure out exactly what's happening," Seth Berkley, CEO of global vaccine alliance Gavi, told CNBC Monday.