World Health Organization reports 92 confirmed monkeypox cases and 28 suspected ones in 12 nations as the mysterious spread continues.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says it expects to identify more cases of monkeypox as it expands surveillance in countries where the disease is not typically found.
As of Saturday, 92 confirmed cases and 28 suspected cases of monkeypox were reported from 12 member states that are not endemic for the virus, the UN agency said, adding it will provide further guidance and recommendations in the coming days for countries on how to mitigate the spread of monkeypox.
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Europe, US on alert after new monkeypox cases emerge
Africa contained monkeypox outbreaks during COVID – Africa CDC
France, Germany, Belgium report first monkeypox virus cases
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“Available information suggests that human-to-human transmission is occurring among people in close physical contact with cases who are symptomatic,” the agency said.
‘Genital form’
Monkeypox is an infectious disease that is usually mild and is endemic in parts of West and Central Africa. Although it belongs to the same virus family as smallpox, its symptoms are milder.
People usually recover within two to four weeks without needing to be hospitalised, but the disease is occasionally deadly.
It is spread by close contact so it can be relatively easily contained through such measures as self-isolation and hygiene.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says it expects to identify more cases of monkeypox as it expands surveillance in countries where the disease is not typically found.
As of Saturday, 92 confirmed cases and 28 suspected cases of monkeypox were reported from 12 member states that are not endemic for the virus, the UN agency said, adding it will provide further guidance and recommendations in the coming days for countries on how to mitigate the spread of monkeypox.
KEEP READING
list of 3 items
Europe, US on alert after new monkeypox cases emerge
Africa contained monkeypox outbreaks during COVID – Africa CDC
France, Germany, Belgium report first monkeypox virus cases
end of list
“Available information suggests that human-to-human transmission is occurring among people in close physical contact with cases who are symptomatic,” the agency said.
‘Genital form’
Monkeypox is an infectious disease that is usually mild and is endemic in parts of West and Central Africa. Although it belongs to the same virus family as smallpox, its symptoms are milder.
People usually recover within two to four weeks without needing to be hospitalised, but the disease is occasionally deadly.
It is spread by close contact so it can be relatively easily contained through such measures as self-isolation and hygiene.
Many of the current cases have been identified at sexual health clinics.
‘You can protect yourself’
US President Joe Biden said on Sunday the recent cases of monkeypox identified in Europe and the United States were something “to be concerned about”.
In his first public comments on the disease, Biden added: “It is a concern in that if it were to spread it would be consequential. They haven’t told me the level of exposure yet but it is something that everybody should be concerned about. We’re working on it hard to figure out what we do.”
He added that work is under way to determine what vaccine might be effective.
Early genomic sequencing of a handful of the cases in Europe has suggested a similarity with the strain that spread in a limited fashion in Britain, Israel and Singapore in 2018.
Heymann said it was “biologically plausible” that the virus had been circulating outside of the countries where it is endemic, but had not led to major outbreaks as a result of COVID-19 lockdowns, social distancing, and travel restrictions.
He stressed the monkeypox outbreak did not resemble the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic because it does not transmit as easily. Those who suspect they may have been exposed or who show symptoms – including bumpy rash and fever – should avoid close contact with others.
“There are vaccines available but the most important message is you can protect yourself,” said Heymann.
