Monkeypox virus outbreak: More than 1000 cases reported in 29 countries so far
The World Health Organization (WHO) said more than 1,000 monkeypox cases have been reported in non-endemic countries so far, Reuters reported. While Africa, where it more commonly spreads, has logged over 1,400 suspected cases of monkeypox and 66 deaths this year.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said more than 1,000 monkeypox cases have been reported in non-endemic countries so far, Reuters reported. While Africa, where it more commonly spreads, has logged over 1,400 suspected cases of monkeypox and 66 deaths this year.
Monkeypox virus reported in 29 countries
Twenty-nine countries have reported monkeypox virus cases in the current outbreak, which began in May. No deaths have been detected in non-endemic countries. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the risk of the zoonotic virus becoming established in these non-endemic countries was "real but preventable at this point", Reuters reported.
Pic courtesy: Reuters
What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease that initially shows flu-like symptoms and later leads to rashes on the body. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health defines it as "Monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious viral illness that typically begins with flu-like illness and swelling of the lymph nodes and progresses to a rash on the face and body. Most infections last 2-to-4 weeks. In parts of central and west Africa where monkeypox occurs, people can be exposed through bites or scratches from rodents and small mammals, preparing wild game, or having contact with an infected animal or possibly animal products.”