Monkeypox continues to spread rapidly

On May 24, the World Health Organization (WHO) said there were about 237 suspected or confirmed cases of monkeypox in nearly 20 countries in Europe and the Americas. Monkeypox was formerly endemic mainly in West and Central Africa.

According to health officials in the province of Quebec, Canada, as of May 24, this locality has recorded 15 cases of monkeypox.

Canadian Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos warned that it is likely that some more cases will be recorded in other parts of the country as many samples are still being tested.

“We believe more new cases will be found in the coming days. It is not clear what symptoms those infected have, or how serious their condition may be” said Mr. Duclos.

Canada recorded its first two cases last week.

Mr. Duclos informed that the country is mobilizing vaccines and therapeutic drugs from stockpiles in regions across the country.

“I would like to reiterate to Canadians that this is a different situation from the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada has a vaccine available to prevent this disease.” Mr. Duclos emphasized.

Spain recently detected 15 new cases, bringing the total number of monkey head cases in this country to 51. Most of the cases were recorded in the capital Madrid with 47 cases, mainly related to a sauna facility. slightly in the city center.

Spain’s government spokeswoman Isabel Rodriguez said the country had no plans to give the smallpox vaccine to people under the age of 40 who had not previously received the vaccine.

The neighboring country of Spain – Portugal is also having a headache dealing with a new outbreak of the disease.

The health authorities of this country on May 24 reported two new cases. The total number of infections in Portugal is now 39.

In the UK, the country currently has 71 cases with a few more cases recorded in the England region. So far Wales and Northern Ireland have not reported any cases.

Although the number of cases continues to increase, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reassures that the risk of infection for the people of this country remains low.

UKHSA is contacting people at high risk of infection from contact with sick people. They are recommended to be isolated at home for at least 21 days.

British health authorities are pushing to buy smallpox vaccine to vaccinate close contacts of the case. The country is currently vaccinating some health workers.

According to the WHO, there is no need for a mass vaccination to prevent monkeypox, as measures, including good hygiene and safe sex, can still control the spread of the disease.

In an interview with the press, Richard Pebody, head of the task force on high-risk pathogens at the WHO European Office, said that the main measures to prevent monkeypox from spreading are contact tracing. and isolation.