Israel, Switzerland and Austria are the latest countries to confirm cases of monkeypox, with the virus now in 15 countries including Australia since it was first detected in Europe less than three weeks ago.

It is endemic in West Africa, but is not typically known to spread easily - especially among people who haven’t travelled to Africa - leaving scientists across the globe baffled.

The risk to the wider public is considered low, but the World Health Organisation warns more suspected cases are being investigated, without naming those countries involved.

Otago University vice-chancellor and infectious disease expert David Murdoch joins us.

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