Since 13 May 2022, cases of Monkeypox or monkey pox have been reported to WHO by 28 Member States in four Regions of the World Health Organization (the Region of the Americas, the Regions of Europe, Eastern Mediterranean and Western Pacific) where monkeypox is not common or has not been previously reported.
As epidemiological investigations continue, most cases reported in newly affected countries have presented through sexual health services or other health services in primary or secondary care settings, with a history of travel to countries in Europe and North America rather than countries where the virus is known to be present.
The sudden and unexpected appearance of monkeypox simultaneously in several regions with no direct and immediate travel links to regions with a long history of monkeypox suggests that there may have been undetected transmission for several weeks or more .
Description of the outbreak
As of 8 June, 1285 laboratory-confirmed cases and one probable case have been reported to WHO from 28 countries in four WHO regions where monkeypox is not common or has not been previously reported. This represents an increase of 505 laboratory-confirmed cases since the previous outbreak information bulletin of June 4, 2022, which reported 780 cases. As of June 8, 2022, no associated deaths have been reported in these four regions.
Of the cases reported in these regions, the majority (87%) of confirmed cases are from the WHO European Region (1112). Confirmed cases have also been reported in the Region of the Americas (153), Eastern Mediterranean Region (14) and Western Pacific Region (6). The number of cases fluctuates as new information is reported and becomes available daily and data is verified in accordance with the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005).
So far, the clinical presentation monkeypox cases associated with this outbreak has been variable.
- Many cases in this outbreak do not present the clinical picture classically described for monkeypox (fever, swollen lymph nodes, followed by a rash concentrated on the face and extremities).
- Atypical features described include: presentation of only a few lesions or even a single lesion; lesions that begin in the genital or perineal/perianal area and do not extend further; lesions appearing at different stages of development (asynchronous); and the appearance of lesions before the appearance of swollen lymph nodes, fever, malaise or other symptoms.
Modes of transmission through sexual contact remain unknown; While it is known that close physical contact can lead to transmission, it is unclear what role sexual bodily fluids, including semen and vaginal fluids, play in the transmission of monkeypox.
Two types of vaccines (ACAM-2000 and MVA-BN) are currently being deployed by some Member States to serve as close contact prophylaxis. Others may hold stocks of other types of vaccines (eg, LC16).
In addition, since the beginning of the year, 1536 suspected cases have been reported in eight countries in the WHO African Region, of which 59 cases have been confirmed and 72 deaths reported. The continued detection of the virus and reported deaths in some countries in the African Region underscore the need to better understand the source, transmission dynamics and provide people with the information and support they need to protect themselves and others. in a variety of different contexts. In countries with a long history of monkeypox, further testing is needed to understand current and new sources of infection.
Source: World Health Organization (WHO)
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