On May 29, local time, the World Health Organization announced that between May 13 and 26, 23 non-monkeypox-endemic countries and regions had reported 257 confirmed cases of monkeypox to WHO, and 257 confirmed cases of monkeypox had been reported to WHO. About 120 suspected cases. Epidemiological investigation is ongoing.
Previously, the monkeypox virus was mainly endemic in West and Central Africa. But since May, the vast majority of reported cases have no established travel links to monkeypox-endemic areas.
An example map of monkeypox virus (picture from the WHO official website)
WHO expects more cases of monkeypox to be detected as surveillance is expanded.
The WHO has decided to assess the global public health risk of monkeypox as moderate. Because this is the first time monkeypox cases have been reported simultaneously over a wide geographic area, and there are no known epidemiological links to countries in West and Central Africa.
In addition, the sudden appearance and wide geographic spread of many sporadic cases suggest that the virus may have been circulating undetected for weeks or more, with widespread human-to-human transmission.
Monkeypox
Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease, the pathogen monkeypox virus and smallpox virus are “close relatives”.
In general, human-to-human transmission of monkeypox virus is uncommon. The human-to-human transmission route includes close contact with the respiratory secretions of the infected person, the site of skin damage, or the clothes, bedding, towels and other items used by the infected person. It usually takes longer face-to-face for respiratory droplet transmission to occur. In addition, mother-to-child transmission of monkeypox virus may occur through the placenta or through close contact during labor.
The initial symptoms of monkeypox infection in humans include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, and swollen lymph nodes, which can later develop into a widespread rash on the face and body.
Most monkeypox patients are reported to recover within weeks without hospitalization. But there have been cases of serious illness or death.
WHO officials have said a few days ago that there is currently no need for large-scale monkeypox vaccinations, and maintaining good hygiene and ensuring safe sex will help control the spread of monkeypox.
