India, Aug. 21 -- Children, who are particularly vulnerable to the disease, account for half of the 46 suspected mpox cases identified in Guinea-Bissau - with 16 of them under the age of four.

The seemingly minor outbreak represents a "major public health event" according to UN Children's Fund UNICEF, as this is the first time mpox cases have been reported in the West African country.

Mpox is an infectious disease belonging to the same virus family as smallpox. Symptoms typically include a distinct rash, alongside fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches and fatigue.

The outbreak was declared on 4 July. Seven adult cases have been confirmed so far, according to the Government, as of Tuesday, with no fatalities reported.

Sympto...