UK monitors monkeypox, Denmark has its first case

Test tubes labeled positive for monkeypox – Photo: REUTERS

“It’s basically a very rare disease, and so far the consequences don’t seem too serious, but it’s important that we keep an eye on it,” Mr Johnson said.

Earlier in the day, Scotland announced its first case of monkeypox. Scottish officials say the case is currently being treated and they are also tracing close contacts of the patient.

England alone now has 20 cases, according to Reuters news agency.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said monkeypox is not usually spread easily between people, and the risk of contracting the disease in the UK population remains low.

On May 21, UKHSA recommended that people in close contact with a case of monkeypox should be isolated for 21 days.

Meanwhile, Denmark also recorded its first case of monkeypox in the country on May 23. This male patient has just returned from a trip to Spain.

“The health authorities do not expect the disease to spread widely in Denmark, but we are closely monitoring the situation in preparation for a possible infection,” said Danish Health Minister Magnus Heunicke. information.

The ministry added that the infected man is in isolation and that Danish health authorities are contacting close contacts.

Also on May 23, Portugal recorded 14 new cases of monkeypox, bringing the total number of cases across the country to 37.

Spain also announced 4 new cases on May 23, bringing the total number of cases to 34. In addition, according to Reuters, there are 38 suspected cases of monkeypox in the capital Madrid.

Belgium became the first country to introduce a 21-day quarantine for people with monkeypox.

Monkeypox is transmitted after humans come into contact with monkeys. The mortality rate in this disease is about 10%. Viruses can enter through skin wounds, respiratory tract, eyes, nose or mouth, spread through respiratory droplets or bodily fluids. Available information suggests that human-to-human transmission of monkeypox occurs in close contacts.

Monkeypox usually occurs only in West Africa and Central Africa.

On May 21, the World Health Organization (WHO) called on countries to raise awareness of this disease. According to WHO, from May 13 to now, many cases of infection and suspicion of infection have been in countries where the disease is not endemic.