WHO says ‘urgent need’ for package of measures against monkeypox
- World Health Organization said it expects to identify more cases of monkeypox as it expands surveillance in countries where the disease is not typically found
- Monkeypox is an infectious disease that is usually mild, and is endemic in parts of west and central Africa, and is spread by close contact
The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for a series of measures against the further spread of monkeypox.
“The identification of confirmed and suspected cases of monkeypox without any travel history to an endemic area in multiple countries is atypical, hence, there is an urgent need to raise awareness about monkeypox and undertake comprehensive case finding and isolation [provided with supportive care], contact tracing and supportive care to limit further onwards transmission,” the UN organisation said in Geneva on Saturday.
According to the WHO, the cases that have been reported so far in Europe, North America and Australia have mainly affected men who have sex with men and have visited medical facilities.
However, due to the still limited observation situation, it is very likely that cases will emerge in other population groups and countries.
As of Saturday, the WHO estimated about 90 confirmed infections and 30 suspected cases.
“Available information suggests that human-to-human transmission is occurring among people in close physical contact with cases who are symptomatic,” the agency said.
Monkeypox is an infectious disease that is usually mild, and is endemic in parts of west and central Africa. It is spread by close contact, so it can be relatively easily contained through such measures as self-isolation and hygiene.