International

WHO declares global health emergency amid monkeypox outbreak

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the monkeypox epidemic a global health emergency this week.

WHO stated that the medical alert was issued following a viral outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, which has since spread to neighbouring countries. In this context, the Ministry of Health in Chișinău advises citizens of the Republic of Moldova to avoid non-essential travel to the African continent.

"The National Agency for Public Health is monitoring the global epidemiological situation concerning reported cases, in line with WHO and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) recommendations," the Ministry of Health announced.

Since the beginning of this year, no cases or suspected cases of monkeypox have been reported in our country, the ministry confirmed. According to the data, two cases of monkeypox were reported in the Republic of Moldova in 2022, both of which were imported cases.

The Ministry of Health reports that there is currently an epidemic of monkeypox in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where cases are on the rise. A highly virulent strain of the virus has spread to Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda—countries that were previously unaffected. Since the beginning of this year, over 17,000 cases and more than 500 deaths have been reported across 13 African countries.

In the European region, 349 cases have been registered in the past three months, with 100 reported in the last four weeks. No cases of monkeypox have been reported in Romania.

What is monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), typically found in tropical forest areas of Central and West Africa. The virus usually has animal reservoirs, particularly among monkeys, but transmission from animals to humans can sometimes occur. The virus is transmitted from person to person through close contact. The incubation period varies from 5 to 21 days, most commonly between 6 and 13 days. Symptoms of monkeypox include painful skin rashes, swollen lymph nodes, and fever.

Experts report that there is no specific treatment for monkeypox. Treatment is primarily symptomatic and supportive, including the prevention and treatment of secondary bacterial infections.

Basic measures to prevent monkeypox infection include:

Translation by Iurie Tataru

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