The World Health Organization (WHO) warned on June 8 that the risk of monkeypox was rising in countries that had never experienced an outbreak. Recently, more than 1,000 people have been reported to have infected outside the country in 29 countries.
WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the agency “doesn’t recommend” mobilizing vaccinations to prevent the smallpox virus. And so far, there are no patients with severe symptoms that have died.
“There is a real risk that monkeypox will be more prevalent in non-endemic countries.” Tedros stated at a press conference.
The disease is endemic in nine African countries, but in the past month, outbreaks of monkeypox have been reported in other regions. especially European countries such as England, Spain and Portugal.
The WHO director stressed that although the spread of the disease is mainly among “MSM” who have sex with each other. But not in all cases And in some countries, community-acquired infections have begun. including in women
Greece became the latest country to see its first case of monkeypox on Monday, with health authorities saying The patient was a man who had just returned from Portugal. and has been admitted to the hospital
People infected with monkey pox begin to show symptoms of fever. After that, there will be blisters on the skin all over the body. similar to a person with chickenpox
Tedros pointed out that the high number of monkeypox cases outside Africa reflects that. It seems that the infection has been spread for a while now. But can’t tell how long. He expressed concern that the virus could pose a risk to vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children.
Some countries have already begun vaccinating health workers with monkeypox, while the WHO director recommends that high-risk groups such as close contacts, sexual partners or family members be considered. It is most effective if injected within 4 days of starting contact with the patient.
source: AFP