Geneva: The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the spread of monkey measles as an international public health emergency. The announcement was made by Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organization.
Monkey measles is now endemic in more than 70 countries, including India, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Therefore, the World Health Organization has issued this notification.
Tedros said the decision was taken after consultation with members of the expert panel on monkey measles.
Although it does not have the majority support of the expert panel, the reason for announcing this high alert decision is due to the increasing incidence of monkey measles and lack of vaccine and treatment, he said.
Around 16,000 cases of monkey measles have been confirmed worldwide so far this year, in 75 countries. 5 people died in Africa.
Symptoms: Fever, headache, body aches, back pain, body tremors, fatigue and red spots appear on the body within 5 days of the onset of symptoms of this disease. Then they turn into blisters. Over the next 2-4 weeks these blisters will disappear and fall off.