Belgium became the first country in the world to introduce compulsory quarantine for those infected with the monkeypox virus.

Patients are required to remain in isolation until they have a rash characteristic of the disease. The quarantine period is about three weeks. But the Care and Health Agency clarified that there is no fixed deadline.

This decision was taken by the Belgian government after consultation with the working group on risk assessment. People who have been in contact with patients have not yet been isolated – but they are advised to monitor the possible manifestation of symptoms. The Belgian authorities will also conduct an information campaign for men who have sex with men and those who have more than one partner.