Monkeypox outbreaks in a number of countries are expected to double
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, GENEVA – The outbreak of monkeypox (monkeypox) that has been identified in a number of countries, especially the European region, has prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to arrange an emergency meeting, according to a new report. The meeting was also held amid cases in the UK which are expected to double to 11 cases by Friday (20/5/2022).
So far there have been nine cases in the UK, but The Times reported that the numbers would continue to rise as the virus spreads across the country. It was also reported that the government ordered more stock smallpox vaccine for those who may have been exposed to the virus.
The WHO meeting will look at how the virus is spreading, vaccine stocks and why there is a high prevalence of cases in gay and bisexual men, according to the report The Telegraph reported The Daily Post. The UK’s Health Safety Administration said on Wednesday that the new cases reported this week had been seen mainly in gay, bisexual or men who have sex with men.
However, the report notes that it is not clear exactly how people get infected. Talk to The TimesUKHSA Chief Medical Advisor Susan Hopkins said she had urged gay and bisexual men to be on the lookout for any unusual rashes or lesions. They are also advised to contact sexual health services immediately without delay if they have any concerns.
Health officials in Spain have reported seven cases of monkeypox. Portugal has updated the number of confirmed cases to 14 due to an outbreak of the viral disease that is usually confined to Africa and spread to Europe.
That is why reported outbreaks in Britain, Portugal, Spain and the United States have caused concern among public health experts. The disease, which was first discovered in monkeys, usually has relatively mild symptoms, but in some cases can lead to severe disease.
Currently, it is known that the areas affected by monkeypox globally are Central and West Africa. Then various countries in Europe, America, and Australia continued to report cases of this virus including Sweden, Spain, Portugal and Canada.
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