The European Office of the World Health Organization (WHO) expects a rise in monkeypox-related deaths. It says this on Saturday after deaths have now been registered outside Africa, including two in Spain. The organization emphasizes that serious complications remain rare.
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Since Friday, three virus-related deaths have been reported outside Africa, two in Spain and one in Brazil. However, it is not certain that the virus is the cause of the deaths.
The first five deaths were reported in Africa, where the disease is endemic and was first diagnosed in humans in 1970.
“Given the continued spread of monkeypox in Europe, we expect more deaths,” said Catherine Smallwood of WHO Europe. “The aim must be to quickly interrupt the transmission of the virus in Europe and to stop this epidemic.” Smallwood stressed that in most cases, the disease heals on its own and requires no treatment.
Highest alarm
The World Health Organization activated its highest alert level, the Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), on July 24 to step up the fight against monkeypox, also known as simian orthopoxvirosis.
More than 18,000 cases have been identified outside of Africa since early May, according to the WHO, most of them in Europe.
For now, the WHO stresses that there are no vaccines for everyone and therefore recommends prioritizing those most at risk, those who are sick, and those who treat them or conduct research.
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