WHO: Monkeypox, an International emergency?
The World Health Organization announced Tuesday that an emergency meeting will be held next week to decide whether the global monkeypox outbreak can be classified as a public health emergency of international concern. Monkeypox is an illness with characteristic skin lesions spread through close contact. The virus is closely related to the virus that caused smallpox, which was declared eradicated in 1980.
How wide has the disease spread?
According to WHO’s Director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the UN agency has received reports of 1,600 confirmed monkeypox cases and 1,500 suspected cases from 39 countries this year, 32 of which were recently afflicted by the virus.
How deadly is the monkeypox spread?
Until recently, Monkeypox was thought to be restricted to Western and Central Africa. According to Tedros, 72 deaths have been documented in countries where monkeypox was already prevalent, but none have been reported in newly affected countries. “The outbreak of monkeypox is unusual and concerning”, Tedros said, as he explained his reason for convening the emergency meeting.
What’s their recommendation on treatment?
The WHO recommends that affected persons should seek medical attention from their physician or healthcare provider, including on the use of vaccines. “Any decision about whether to use vaccines should be made jointly by individuals who may be at risk and their health care provider, based on an assessment of risks and benefits, on a case-by-case basis”,
