European and American health authorities have identified a number of cases of monkeypox this week, a surprising outbreak of an illness that has previously been limited mostly to central and western Africa.

Doctors are still unsure how exactly monkeypox is spreading.

The disease is normally transmitted either from wild animals like rodents and primates or from very close contact with infected people.

British officials say most recent cases have been men who have had sex with men, and who had no history of travel to Africa.

That suggests the disease is already spreading in the country.

Quebec's Public health authorities are investigating a number of suspected cases of monkey pox in the Montreal area.

Dr. Mylene Drouin says based on recent outbreaks in Europe and a case reported in the United States with travel ties to Montreal, there is a strong possibility the infections in the city involve the virus linked to monkey pox.

Dr. Drouin says the disease is transmitted by prolonged close contact and there is no risk from everyday activities like taking public transit or shopping or dining out.

Public health authorities are investigating 17 suspected cases of monkeypox in the Montreal area.

Dr. Mylene Drouin told reporters today the cases have not yet been confirmed by a laboratory.