WHO confirms 80 cases in 11 countries, says 'more monkeypox cases likely'
Geneva (Switzerland), May 21: The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed 80 cases of monkeypox in 11 countries and stated they are working to better understand the extent and cause of the outbreak.
On Thursday, the WHO stated that the virus is endemic in some animal populations in a number of countries, leading to occasional outbreaks among local people and travellers.
"WHO and partners are working to better understand the extent and cause of an outbreak of monkeypox. The virus is endemic in some animal populations in a number of countries, leading to occasional outbreaks among local people and travellers. The recent outbreaks reported across 11 countries so far are atypical, as they are occurring in non-endemic countries," the organisation said in a statement.
"There are about 80 confirmed cases so far, and 50 pending investigations. More cases are likely to be reported as surveillance expands," it further said.
To increase disease surveillance, the WHO said it continues to receive updates on the status of current outbreaks in endemic countries.
"Monkeypox spreads differently from Covid-19. WHO encourages people to stay informed from reliable sources, such as national health authorities, on the extent of the outbreak in their community (if any), symptoms and prevention," it added.
Also Read | Former Agriculture Minister Jathedar Tota Singh passes away
Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis (a virus transmitted from animals to humans) with symptoms that are strikingly similar to those seen in smallpox patients in the past, however, it is clinically less severe.
It is characterised by fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, according to the World Health Organization, and can result in a variety of medical complications. Monkeypox is usually a self-limiting condition that lasts between 2 and 4 weeks.
The Central government has issued an alert to the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), asking them to keep a close eye on the monkeypox situation and to send samples of symptomatic travellers to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for further investigation.
"Keep a close watch on the monkeypox situation abroad. Send samples (to NIV, Pune) only in such cases where people display certain specific symptoms. Not samples of sick passengers," sources said.
Also Read | CNG price up by Rs 2 in Delhi, second hike in 6 days
-PTC News
