Several cases of monkeypox have been reported or suspected in the United Kingdom, Portugal, Spain, the United States and Canada.
Here’s what we know so far about monkeypox:
What is monkeypox?
Monkeypox is usually a mild virus that causes fever, as well as a distinctive uneven rash. There are two main strains: the Congo strain, which is heavier – with up to 10 percent mortality – and the West African strain, which has a mortality rate of 1 percent. Infections have been reported in the United Kingdom as a West African strain.
“Historically, there have been very few cases. This has only happened eight times in the past this year, “said Dr Jimmy Whitworth, a professor of international public health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. He added that it was “very unusual”.
How does a person get monkeypox?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the virus is mainly transmitted to humans from wild animals such as rodents and primates, but human-to-human transmission is also possible.
Human-to-human transmission occurs through contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets, and contaminated materials such as bedding. Eating inadequately prepared meat and other products from infected animals is also a possible risk factor, says the WHO.
This time, the show puzzled health experts because a number of cases in the UK have little to do with each other. The first reported infected person recently traveled to Nigeria on 6 May.
Therefore, experts warn of wider transmission if cases are not reported.
The signal from the UK Health Security Agency also emphasizes that the latter cases are mainly among men who identify themselves as gay or bisexual, and recommends caution.
“We see a show among men who have sex with men,” said Dr. Sos Fol, assistant director general of the WHO.
NEWS 📣: We found 2 additional cases of #Monkeypox, one in London and one in the South East of England, leading to the total number of monkeypox cases confirmed in England from 6 to 9 May, with recent cases mainly in gays, bisexuals or men who have sex with men.
– United Kingdom Health Security Agency (@UKHSA) 18 May 2022
Why is it spreading and is it serious?
One likely scenario behind the increase in cases is a jump in travel as COVID restrictions are lifted.
Although causing a less serious disease, smallpox is in the same family as smallpox, which was eradicated by vaccination in 1980.
The smallpox vaccine, which also protects against monkeypox, has been phased out. According to Dr. Ann Remoin, a professor of epidemiology at UCLA in California, the cessation of these vaccination campaigns has led to a surge in monkeypox cases.
But health experts have urged people not to panic.
“This will not cause a national epidemic, as COVID did, but it is a serious outbreak of a serious disease – and we must take it seriously,” Whitworth said.
“WHO is not only fighting #COVID19: There is an outbreak of #Ebola in 🇨🇩, an unknown #hepatitis affecting children around the world and #monkeypox affecting a number of countries. WHO works with national authorities to respond quickly and effectively to these outbreaks “- @ DrTedros
– World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) May 17, 2022
What other cases have been found worldwide?
In early May, cases of monkeypox were detected in the United Kingdom, Spain and Portugal. The United Kingdom has found nine cases so far.
Portugal has identified five cases and authorities are investigating a total of more than 20.
In Canada, authorities are investigating at least 13 cases marked in Montreal. The Quebec Ministry of Health has announced that a confirmed person has been notified who has traveled to the province.
Spain also issued a national signal after 23 people in Madrid showed symptoms.
A man in the state of Massachusetts recently tested positive, making it the first case in the United States this year. He had recently traveled to Canada.
“The case does not pose a risk to the public and the person is hospitalized and in good condition,” said the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
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