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WHO issues forecast on monkeypox transmission — Analysis
Editor May 21, 2022
The spread of the rare virus could "accelerate" in summer, the UN health body's top official in Europe warns
According to Hans Kluge (the top World Health Organization official in Europe), Europe can expect an outbreak of monkeypox over the next few months.
"As we enter the summer season… with mass gatherings, festivals and parties, I am concerned that transmission [of monkeypox] could accelerate,"Kluge stated this Friday.
There is a possibility that the number of people infected will rise. "the cases currently being detected are among those engaging in sexual activity,"Many people aren't aware of the symptoms.
The virus is currently spreading in Western Europe. "atypical"It was previously restricted to west and central Africa. The WHO Regional Director for Europe also added.
"All but one of the recent cases have no relevant travel history to areas where monkeypox is endemic,"Kluge stated.
Dozens of cases of monkeypox – a disease that leaves distinctive pustules on skin but rarely results in fatalities – have been detected in the US, Canada and Australia as well as in the UK, France, Portugal, Sweden and other European countries.
On Friday, the first cases of monkeypox were reported by French, Belgian, and German health officials. The three cases of monkeypox in Belgium were all linked to the Antwerp Fetish Festival.
This rare virus was discovered in Israel by a man who had returned to Western Europe from the Western European hotspot.
The majority of cases of monkeypox were first reported in gay and bisexual males who had been having sex with others.
Israel's first ever case of monkeypox
Kluge's worries were also shared by Susan Hopkins (UK Health Security Agency chief medical advisor), who stated that she anticipated "this increase to continue in the coming days and for more cases to be identified in the wider community."
As of Friday, Britain had 20 cases of monkeypox. Hopkins stated that the number was increasing. "notable proportion"Most of the victims were bisexual and gay men. The woman urged those in the group to remain vigilant and be on the alert for signs.