More Global Cases of Monkeypox Are Expected

The World Health Organization (WHO) says it hopes to identify more cases of monkeypox as it expands surveillance in countries where the disease often goes undetected.

As of Saturday, 92 confirmed and 28 suspected cases of monkeypox have been reported from 12 member states that are not endemic to the virus, the United Nations agency said. provide more guidance and recommendations in the coming days for countries on how to prevent the spread of monkeypox.

Monkeypox is a generally mild infectious disease, and is endemic in parts of west and central Africa. It spreads by close contact, so it can be contained relatively easily through measures like self-isolation and hygiene. Although not as deadly as smallpox, monkeypox can be prevented and cured with a vaccine.

2) Aerosol transmission of monkeypox has been documented elsewhere, such as this State of Iowa # smallpox flyer. It can also be transmitted sexually and through the placenta (to the fetus). pic.twitter.com/VnvkhZFbUy

– Eric Feigl-Ding (@DrEricDing) May 21, 2022

The monkeypox form is seen to be sexually transmitted, with many cases now being identified in sexual health clinics. Because the virus is spread by close contact, the typical lesions of the disease are highly contagious, unlike other common venereal diseases.

WHO is working to provide guidance to protect frontline health care providers and other health workers who may be at risk. # smallpox.
WHO will provide more technical recommendations in the coming days pic.twitter.com/HjOO0hRRRa

– World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) May 21, 2022

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The WHO stressed that the monkeypox outbreak is not the same as the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, because it is not contagious. It said that monkeypox virus circulating outside of endemic countries is “biologically plausible, but has not resulted in major outbreaks due to COVID-19 lockdowns, social distance and limited travel.

Monkeypox, like other “neglected tropical diseases”, mainly affects low-resource environments.

While we will learn a lot about the virus (clinical/epi) with this outbreak in high-income countries, we should also redouble our efforts to improve global health/health for all. everyone.

– Isaac Bogoch (@BogochIsaac) May 21, 2022

People who suspect they may have been exposed to monkeypox or have symptoms, including rash and fever, should avoid close contact with others and seek treatment.