ECDC: monkeypox virus outbreak in Congo just isn’t a menace to Europe

SOLNA (AP) – A brand new variant of the monkeypox virus is circulating within the Democratic Republic of Congo, however the threat of the outbreak in Europe could be very low. This was reported by the European well being service ECDC. In response to the group, the present vaccines are efficient and there’s no indication that the brand new virus model is circulating exterior of Africa.

Greater than 11,000 infections have been confirmed within the Democratic Republic of Congo for the reason that starting of this yr. About 450 individuals have died from it. The brand new variant could trigger sufferers to change into extra critically in poor health, and due to this fact die extra shortly, than with the beforehand circulating variant, the ECDC reviews. The group will quickly ship workers to Africa to assist battle the virus.

The monkeypox virus, which scientists now name MPox, appeared in early 2022. After the height in July 2022, the variety of infections abruptly fell. Greater than 22,000 individuals have contracted the virus inside the European Union, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Amongst them there are round 1300 individuals within the Netherlands.

Individuals who contract the virus expertise the primary signs 5 to 21 days after an infection. They might then expertise fever, headache, muscle ache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and fatigue. After a couple of days additionally they get a kick. The signs disappear inside a couple of weeks. Most individuals heal on their very own. In 2022, the virus unfold primarily in Europe amongst males who’ve intercourse with males. Smallpox just isn’t a venereal illness, nevertheless it spreads primarily by skin-to-skin contact. Anybody can catch the virus.