Rare virus outbreak could “accelerate” in summer, top UN health official in Europe warns
A wave of monkeypox should be expected in the coming months in Europe, according to Hans Cluj, the World Health Organization’s top official on the continent.
“As we enter the summer season, with those gatherings, festivals and parties, I am concerned about this transition. [of monkeypox] Can accelerate, “ Dr. Kluge on Friday.
Because the number of victims may increase “Currently identified cases include those involved in sexual activity,” And many may not recognize the symptoms, he added.
The current spread of the virus in Western Europe “Awesome” Since it was previously limited to most of Central and West Africa, the WHO Regional Director for Europe added.
“All but one of the recent incidents have no relevant travel history in areas where monkeypox is endemic.” Klug says.
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Rare monkeypox outbreak: all you need to know
Dozens of cases of monkeypox – a disease that causes distinct pustules on the skin but rarely causes death – have been detected in the United States, Canada and Australia, as well as the United Kingdom, France, Portugal, Sweden and other European countries.
French, Belgian and German health authorities announced their first infections on Friday. In Belgium, three confirmed events of MonkeyPix were associated with a fetish festival in the city of Antwerp.
The rare virus was found in Israel the same day in a man returning from a hotspot in Western Europe.
Most of the early cases of monkeypox have occurred in gay or bisexual men who have had sex with other men.
Read more: Israel’s first monkeypox case report
Klug’s concern was shared by Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at the UK Health Security Agency, who said she hoped “This increase will continue in the coming days and to identify more cases in the wider community.”
Britain has registered 20 monkeypox infections as of Friday, Hopkins said “Significant Ratio” Among them were gay and bisexual men. He urged the people of the group to be vigilant and look for signs.
