THE HAGUE: According to the Netherlands' National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), the number of monkeypox cases in humans has increased to six.

Last Friday, the first human case of monkeypox in the Netherlands was verified.

According to Netherland media reports, the RIVM and Erasmus University Medical Center are analysing new samples to ensure prompt detection of any new cases and to prevent further spread.

The RIVM stated that "several of the affected people visited the Darkland festival in Belgium." "Although all cases involve men having sex with men, this does not suggest that the virus can only be communicated through sexual contact or that it cannot spread beyond this group." 

The RIVM advises high-risk contacts, such as sexual partners or roommates, to self-isolate after skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. Only persons with a high risk of infection will be offered vaccination at the Municipal Health Service (GGD).

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