Over 1,000 cases of monkeypox in non-endemic countries

Kinshasa, June 10^th, 2022 (CPA), — More than 1,000 laboratory-confirmed cases of monkeypox have been reported from 29 non-endemic countries, announced Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO). ) in a press release. So far, no deaths have been reported in these countries, and cases have been reported, but not only among men who have sex with men. “Some countries are now starting to report cases of apparent community transmission, including some cases in women,” Dr Tedros said. More broadly, the WHO has expressed concern that the disease is spreading to countries where it has never been seen before. « At the same time, we must remember that so far this year there have been over 1,400 suspected cases of monkeypox in Africa, and 66 deaths, » Dr Tedros said, recalling that this “virus has been circulating and killing in Africa for decades”. The same concern, the same care and the same access to tools to protect themselves, a way for the boss of the WHO to rebel against this « unfortunate reflection of the world in which we live ». “The international community only pays attention to monkeypox because it has appeared in high-income countries,” said the WHO chief, adding that “communities who live with the threat of this virus every day deserve the same concern, the same care and the same access to the tools to protect themselves”. More broadly, the WHO believes there are « effective ways » for people to protect themselves and others. In this regard, people with symptoms should isolate themselves at home and consult a health worker. « People who share a household with an infected person should avoid close contact, » Dr Tedros advised. To help countries, WHO has issued guidelines on monkeypox surveillance and contact tracing, laboratory testing and diagnosis. In the coming days, the UN World Health Agency will release guidelines on clinical care, infection prevention and control, vaccination and other guidance on protecting communities.