Eight countries in the WHO European Region have reported cases of monkeypox. Recently it has also been registered in Australia, Canada and the USA. UN News reports.
There were around 80 cases confirmed so far, across 11 countries, with a further 50 cases pending investigation.
«As we enter the summer season in the European Region, with mass gatherings, festivals and parties, I am concerned that transmission could accelerate, as the cases currently being detected are among those engaging in sexual activity, and the symptoms are unfamiliar to many,» Hans Kluge, Europe Regional Director for the UN agency, said.
Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that commonly registered in forested areas of Central and West Africa where animals carrying the virus live. It is transmitted through direct human-to-human contact, including sexual contact, or through contact with contaminated materials.
Monkeypox is usually a self-limiting illness with symptoms lasting from 14 to 21 days. Usually, the infection causes mild symptoms, itching or pain in the affected areas on the skin may be felt; in some cases, the infection may be more severe.
Hans Kluge, Europe Regional Director for the UN agency, said the cases are atypical, citing three reasons.
All but one, are not linked to travel to endemic countries. Many were detected through sexual health services. Furthermore, it is suspected that transmission may have been ongoing for some time, as the cases are geographically dispersed across Europe and beyond.
People suspected of having the disease should be checked and isolated.
It is worth reminding that Kyrgyzstan belongs to the WHO European Region.
