The World Health Organization expects to find more instances of monkeypox when surveillance is expanded in places where the disease is uncommon.
According to the United Nations, 92 confirmed cases and 28 suspected cases of monkeypox have been reported from 12 non-endemic member states as of Saturday, with the agency promising to provide more guidance and recommendations in the coming days for countries on how to stop the virus from spreading.
"Available information suggests that human-to-human transmission is occurring among people in close physical contact with cases who are symptomatic", the agency added.
Monkeypox is an infectious disease that is widespread in portions of west and central Africa and is usually mild. Because it is spread by intimate contact, it is relatively easy to contain through self-isolation and hygiene.
"What seems to be happening now is that it has got into the population as a sexual form, as a genital form, and is being spread as are sexually transmitted infections, which has amplified its transmission around the world," WHO official David Heymann, an infectious disease specialist, said.
According to Heymann, an international committee of experts gathered via video conference to discuss what needs to be researched and conveyed to the public about the outbreak, including whether there is any asymptomatic spread, who is most at risk, and the various routes of transmission.
He explained that the conference was called "because to the severity of the situation." The committee is not likely to recommend that the COVID-19 pandemic be declared a public health emergency of international concern, the highest level of WHO alert.
Close contact, he claimed, was the main mode of transmission because the disease's lesions are very contagious.
Parents caring for sick children, as well as health personnel, are at danger, which is why several governments have begun inoculating teams treating monkeypox patients with smallpox vaccines.
Sexual health clinics have detected many of the current instances.
Early genomic sequencing of a few of the cases in Europe has revealed a resemblance to the strain that spread in Britain, Israel, and Singapore in 2018.
Heymann said it was "biologically plausible" that the virus had been circulating outside of the nations where it is endemic, but that COVID-19 lockdowns, social isolation, and travel restrictions had prevented major breakouts.
He emphasised that the monkeypox outbreak was unlike the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic since it is not as easily transmitted. Those who fear they've been exposed or who have symptoms like a bumpy rash and fever should stay away from others, he advised.
"There are vaccines available, but the most important message is, you can protect yourself," he added.
(Source:www.livemint.com)
According to the United Nations, 92 confirmed cases and 28 suspected cases of monkeypox have been reported from 12 non-endemic member states as of Saturday, with the agency promising to provide more guidance and recommendations in the coming days for countries on how to stop the virus from spreading.
"Available information suggests that human-to-human transmission is occurring among people in close physical contact with cases who are symptomatic", the agency added.
Monkeypox is an infectious disease that is widespread in portions of west and central Africa and is usually mild. Because it is spread by intimate contact, it is relatively easy to contain through self-isolation and hygiene.
"What seems to be happening now is that it has got into the population as a sexual form, as a genital form, and is being spread as are sexually transmitted infections, which has amplified its transmission around the world," WHO official David Heymann, an infectious disease specialist, said.
According to Heymann, an international committee of experts gathered via video conference to discuss what needs to be researched and conveyed to the public about the outbreak, including whether there is any asymptomatic spread, who is most at risk, and the various routes of transmission.
He explained that the conference was called "because to the severity of the situation." The committee is not likely to recommend that the COVID-19 pandemic be declared a public health emergency of international concern, the highest level of WHO alert.
Close contact, he claimed, was the main mode of transmission because the disease's lesions are very contagious.
Parents caring for sick children, as well as health personnel, are at danger, which is why several governments have begun inoculating teams treating monkeypox patients with smallpox vaccines.
Sexual health clinics have detected many of the current instances.
Early genomic sequencing of a few of the cases in Europe has revealed a resemblance to the strain that spread in Britain, Israel, and Singapore in 2018.
Heymann said it was "biologically plausible" that the virus had been circulating outside of the nations where it is endemic, but that COVID-19 lockdowns, social isolation, and travel restrictions had prevented major breakouts.
He emphasised that the monkeypox outbreak was unlike the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic since it is not as easily transmitted. Those who fear they've been exposed or who have symptoms like a bumpy rash and fever should stay away from others, he advised.
"There are vaccines available, but the most important message is, you can protect yourself," he added.
(Source:www.livemint.com)
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