Monkeypox has spread to 11 countries

These outbreaks of monkeypox are unusual because they are occurring in countries that do not consider the disease endemic, the WHO reported on May 20. More cases could be recorded in the coming days as the screening is expanded.

WHO said: “WHO is working with affected countries and others to expand disease surveillance to find and support those who may be affected, and provides guidance on how to disease treatment”.

Palm of a patient with monkeypox in Lodja town – Democratic Republic of Congo. Photo: Reuters

WHO held an emergency meeting on the same day to discuss the monkeypox outbreak. Germany describes it as the largest outbreak in Europe ever. Cases have also been reported in countries such as Belgium, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, the UK, the US, Canada and Australia.

Spain recorded 24 new cases on May 20, mainly in the Madrid area. African scientists have been confused by the cases reported in Europe because cases of this disease have previously been linked to Central and West Africa. However, the current cases in Europe and the US are those infected who have never been to these African regions.

However, according to Reuters, scientists do not think this outbreak will evolve into a pandemic like Covid-19 because this virus does not spread as easily as SARS-COV-2. Monkeypox usually causes mild symptoms, such as fever and rash.

Fabian Leendertz of the Robert Koch Institute said that it is very unlikely that this outbreak will last. Cases can be well isolated through tracing and effective drugs and vaccines can be used if necessary. According to WHO, there is currently no specific vaccine for monkeypox. However, research data show that the smallpox vaccine is up to 85% effective in killing the monkeypox virus.