The cases of monkeypox in the world continue to increase: to date there are 12 states involved, including Italy. Here’s what’s happening
By: VirgilioNotizie | Posted on: 22-05-2022 13:19
Il monkeypoxtechnically known as Monkeypox, continues to be monitored closely. According to the latest update from the World Health Organization, based on reports from 12 countries they are in total 92 confirmed cases and 28 suspected cases.
Monkeypox: where it was reported
The states where the viral disease has been reported are Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States.
In our country there are three confirmed casesall in charge of the Spallanzani Institute of Infectious Diseases in Rome.
For now no certainty of travel links emerged with the areas where the virus is endemic: in the countries where it is, ie between West and Central Africa, occasional outbreaks arise among the local population and travelers. For this reason, the cases registered in the 12 states are considered atypical and singular.
Those most at risk
WHO experts said that according to the information currently available, “the cases have been identified mainly, but not exclusively, among men who have had sexual intercourse with men“. For this they were mostly detected through sexual health services.
In any case, it was highlighted that it would be a mistake to “stigmatize groups of people”: the fear is that the infected subjects avoid seeking assistance, leading to “an undetected spread”.
Forecasts on possible developments in the situation indicate that, by expanding surveillance in non-endemic countries, more and more cases of monkeypox will be identified. According to the WHO, the most concrete solution at the moment is to update “those who may be most at risk of infection with accurate information, in order to stop further spread”.
Evidence gathered so far suggests that those most at risk are those who have had “close physical contact with someone with monkeypox while symptomatic,” such as health workers, family members e sexual partners.
In Europe still no alarm
The fact that monkeypox cases have spread across Europe and beyond signals that transmission may have been running for some time. World health experts continue to work to better understand the extent of the virus and urge everyone to stay informed through reliable sources, such as national authorities.
At the moment, however, it seems unlikely that it may be necessary to introduce vaccination of close contacts.
The Director of WHO Europe, Hans Klugeexplained that monkeypox is usually a “self-limiting” disease that is cured most of the time within a few weeks without treatment. However, the virus can turn out to be more severe in young children, pregnant women and immunosuppressed individuals.
Photo source: ANSA