Monday, May 30, was assured by the World Health Organization (WHO), that there is no need to panic about the possibility of a pandemic if the monkeypox virus spreads beyond Africa.

Rosamund Lewis (WHO's top monkeypox expert) was asked about the possibility that there might be a global epidemic. . Rosamund Lewis insists that it is possible to stop the spread of this epidemic.

Nearly 400 cases of monkeypox have been reported to WHO since May 7th, when Britain reported the first case. This was in nearly 20 countries that are not normally affected by this virus.

Although the WHO expressed concern about the "unusual situation", it reiterated its belief that there is no need to panic.

Monkeypox can be related to smallpox. Smallpox killed millions each year worldwide before it was eradicated in 1980.

Monkeypox, however, is less severe and most people can recover within three to four weeks.

High fever, swelling of the lymph nodes and a rash resembling chickenpox are some early symptoms.