WHO Expects More Global Cases of Monkeypox
by Naba Batool
SHARES
According to the WHO press release, there is a possible expectation of more confirmed cases of monkeypox if the surveillance is expanded to all those countries where the disease is not commonly found.
The UN agency has reported 92 confirmed cases of monkeypox at this moment while the number of suspected cases is 28. The cases have been reported in 12 member states, especially in those regions where the disease is not endemic.
WHO is willing to provide real-time guidance and recommendations in the coming days for various countries regarding how they can deal with the wildfire-like spread of monkeypox.
The World Health Organization (WHO) expects more cases of monkeypox as the number of suspected cases increases. Read on to learn more. #Science https://t.co/Lxziny7xAx
— ScienceTimes (@ScienceTimesCom) May 23, 2022
The agency added that "Available information suggests that human-to-human transmission is occurring among people in close physical contact with cases who are symptomatic".
Monkeypox is an infectious disease that starts off mild and usually originates in parts of west and central Africa. This disease commonly spreads due to close contact. Thus the spread of this contagious disease can be catered through acts of isolation and hygiene.
The WHO official David Heymann, who is an infectious disease specialist said that "What seems to be happening now is that it has got into the population as a sexual form, as a genital form, and is being spread as are sexually transmitted infections, which has amplified its transmission around the world."
He further commented that this is "because of the urgency of the situation". It has been reported that this disease is spreading because of close and unguarded contact with the infected person and that is why it is becoming a public health emergency of global concern.
Another thing that is being highlighted here is that there is a remote possibility of the virus and its circulation on the global spectrum. But the number of reduced cases can be because of several COVID-19 regulations such as lockdowns and social distancing.
He concluded with the statement that "There are vaccines available, but the most important message is, you can protect yourself."
