Rules for diagnosis, treatment issued as global counts of disease on the rise

China released its first diagnosis and treatment guideline for monkeypox on Wednesday, making it clear that the virus can spread through close contact and droplets, but most patients can recover without special treatment.

The guideline was published by the National Health Commission as global counts of the contagious disease rise and World Health Organization experts are weighing up whether to declare the outbreak of a public health emergency of international concern－its highest warning level.

According to the guideline, the monkeypox virus is mainly transmitted through close contact with an infected person and can be spread by respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated materials. It can also pass between mother and baby during pregnancy or delivery.