Monkeypox in Europe

Monkeypox in Europe There are over 80 confirmed cases of Monkeypox, and further investigations are underway on another 50. The WHO reports this, underlining that it is working with collaborating institutions to better understand the extent and cause of the infections reported so far in 12 countries. The virus is endemic in some animal populations in several countries, leading to occasional outbreaks among the local population and travelers. Outbreaks have also been reported in non-endemic countries. The cases of monkeypox recorded in recent months are considered atypical, because they were discovered in non-endemic countries. And the reports could increase now, given the increase in the level of caution, according to what is declared by the World Health Organization. According to reports from the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), the country’s first case has also been confirmed in Switzerland. This is a person resident in the Canton of Bern who allegedly contracted the virus abroad and his contacts are being traced. The WHO points out that the modes of transmission are different from those of COVID-19 and urges communities “to stay informed from reliable sources, such as national health authorities, about the extent of the epidemic in their community, about the symptoms and prevention. As monkeypox spreads through close contact, the answer should focus on those affected and their close contacts. People who interact closely with someone who is infected are at greater risk of infection: this includes health care workers, family members and sexual partners”. Strong is the WHO recommendation not to” stigmatize groups of people”. A similar attitude, as well as blameworthy, could be “an obstacle to the end of an outbreak as it could prevent people from seeking assistance and lead to undetected spread”.