WHO maintains alert as monkeypox spreads from Africa to Europe
The World Health Organization is maintaining the highest level of readiness concerning monkeypox, also known as mpox. Infections have been confirmed in 80 countries. The most challenging situation is in Africa, but the disease has also spread to Europe.
The first outbreak of monkeypox in Europe was detected in Sweden in August. Recently, a new variant of the virus was diagnosed in a 33-year-old patient in Cologne, who likely contracted it in Africa.
The German health department reassured the public that all individuals who may have had contact with the patient have been identified and are under medical care. Authorities emphasized that the disease is not easily transmitted and there is no risk of infection among the residents of Cologne.
Situation in Africa
The highest number of mpox cases have been reported in Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, and Nigeria. The WHO warns that the disease is spreading geographically and requires a coordinated international response.
Monkeypox is caused by a virus that is transmitted to humans from infected animals or from person to person through close physical contact. The symptoms resemble those of chickenpox and include weakness, headaches, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
