WHO: Monkeypox is still under control

This information is provided by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Some European countries such as Spain, UK are currently recording new cases monkey pox increase. However, WHO assesses that although this outbreak is quite unusual, it is still under control.

Dr Rosamund Lewis, Head of the Smallpox Secretariat, WHO Emergencies Programme, said: “WHO is issuing guidelines on vaccines as well as vaccination considerations, but it is important now to realize that this outbreak can be contained with contact tracing and isolation.“.

WHO encourages countries to strengthen monitoring and surveillance of monkeypox to gauge its spread and better understand the disease. It remains unclear whether the current series of monkeypox cases are the tip of the iceberg or a sign that the peak of the epidemic has passed. WHO also ruled out the possibility that the virus had mutated, but stressed transmission could be driven by changes in human behaviour, especially as people return to normal life and prevention measures. COVID-19 outbreak has been lifted.

Smallpox produces fluid-filled pustules, which can be spread until the scabs fall off. (Photo: CNN)

However, the WHO said that mass vaccination is not yet needed to prevent monkeypox, when measures including good hygiene and safe sex can still control the spread of the disease.

Being calm but not losing vigilance is also a response measure of many countries today. Some countries have issued warnings that cannot rule out the possibility monkey smallpox virus penetration, especially in light of a resurgence in international tourism. Belgium and Germany will implement a quarantine of at least 21 days for people with monkeypox.

Monkeypox is a rare virus, usually found in the forest areas of Central and West Africa, and is transmitted after humans come into contact with monkeys. The virus can enter through skin wounds, respiratory tract, bodily fluids or sexual contact. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. The mortality rate of the disease is about 10%.

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