New Delhi: The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday (June 29, 2022) that the monkeypox virus has been identified in more than 50 new countries and warned that the trend is “likely to continue”. Addressing a media briefing, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the Emergency Committee had not advised that the current outbreak represents a public health emergency of international concern, acknowledged the “emergency nature” of the incident and controlled further spread. Rapid response efforts are required.
“Nigeria, which has been battling an outbreak since 2017, has reported more cases this year, which could mean it matches or exceeds previous peaks. In addition, the virus now has more than 50 New countries have been identified and this trend is likely to continue,” he said.
,@WHO at media briefing #COVID-19 and other global health issues https://t.co/kPXzvf7mVA— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) June 29, 2022
He also urged countries to increase surveillance by promoting testing at the earliest.
‘Concerned’ about continued transmission of monkeypox
The WHO chief said he is “concerned” about continued transmission of monkeypox disease outbreaks as it would suggest “the virus is establishing itself” and that it may transfer to high-risk groups, including children, immunocompromised and pregnant women. could.
“We are starting to see this with many children already infected,” he said.
“He advised that I call him again quickly based on the evolving situation, which I would do” –@Dr Tedros #monkeypox https://t.co/BDhhHheS5j— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) June 29, 2022
“With large gatherings happening around the world there are opportunities to remove the stigma about the virus and spread good information so that people can protect themselves,” Tedros said.
What is monkeypox disease?
Monkeypox, first discovered in 1958 in monkeys kept for research, is a rare viral infection similar to human smallpox. The virus belongs to the family Poxviridae, which also includes the viruses that cause smallpox and smallpox.
The first human case of monkeypox was reported in 1970 and the disease occurs mainly in tropical rainforest regions of Central and West Africa.
What are the symptoms of monkeypox virus?
The monkeypox virus usually presents itself with fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes and can lead to a variety of medical complications. It is usually self-limiting with symptoms lasting two to four weeks and severe cases can occur.
How does the monkeypox virus spread?
Monkeypox is spread to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal, or through material contaminated with the virus. It is reportedly spread by rodents such as rats, mice and squirrels.
Monkeypox disease is spread through wounds, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminants such as bedding.
How are cases of monkeypox treated?
Vaccines used during the smallpox eradication program also provided protection against monkeypox. New vaccines have been developed, one of which has been approved for disease prevention. According to the WHO, an antiviral agent developed to treat smallpox has also been licensed to treat monkeypox.