Hans Kluge, head of the European branch of the World Health Organization, warned on Friday that monkeypox infections had tripled in the past two weeks and urged countries to do more to ensure the formerly rare disease does not become endemic on the continent.
Kellogg said in a statement that despite the United Nations’ decision last week not to declare a global health emergency due to the outbreak, more efforts are needed.
“If we are to turn a corner in the race to prevent the disease from continuing to spread, urgent and coordinated action is essential,” Kellogg added.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 5,000 cases of monkeypox have been reported in more than 51 countries worldwide.
Kellogg explained that the number of injuries in Europe accounts for about 90% of all global injuries, noting that 31 countries in the European region have registered injuries.
Clague also noted that data received from the World Health Organization show that 99 percent of injuries are caused by men, and most of these injuries are caused by men who have sex with men.
But he said there are now “a limited number” of infections among family members, including children.
Most people reported symptoms including rash, fever, fatigue, muscle aches, vomiting and chills.
Scientists have warned that anyone who comes into contact with people who have monkeypox or their clothes or bedding, regardless of sexual orientation, is at risk of infection.
It is believed that vulnerable groups, such as children and pregnant women, are more susceptible to serious diseases.
About 10 percent of patients were transferred to hospitals for treatment or isolation, and one person was admitted to the intensive care unit. No deaths have been reported.
According to data from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, the UK has by far the highest number of cases (1,076), ahead of Germany (838), Spain (736), Portugal (365) and France. (350).
On Friday, the Danish laboratory “Bavarien Nordic”, the only laboratory producing the approved monkeypox vaccine, announced the delivery of 2.5 million new doses to the United States.
This is in addition to the initial request made by American officials a few weeks ago to provide this vaccine with the goal of receiving 500,000 doses. This vaccine is marketed under the name “Genius” in the US, while in Europe it is called “Amphanix”.
On Tuesday, the European Medicines Agency announced that it had begun testing a vaccine against human smallpox to expand its use against monkeypox.
This disease first appears with high temperature and quickly turns into a rash with the formation of scales. While the infection is often benign, it resolves on its own after two or three weeks.
Source: Lebanon Debate
