Dutch health agency confirms first monkeypox case in the Netherlands

A patient with monkeypox was confirmed in the Netherlands for the first time, the government’s health agency said on Friday, adding more people may have become infected with the disease.

“After the weekend, we will give an update on any new infections that have become known”, the National Institute for Health (RIVM) said in a statement.

More than 100 cases of monkeypox, a viral infection more common to west and central Africa, have been reported in Europe this week, with German officials describing the outbreak as the largest ever in the region.

The World Health Organisation was due to hold an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the recent outbreak.