Washington DC, May 25, 2022 (PAHO) – Over the past two weeks, cases of monkeypox have been reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) in several non-endemic countries with no direct links to an endemic area. .
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has prepared a full Question and Answer page to update the general public about the outbreak and resolve any questions that may arise. This is available in both English and Spanish.
Information is also available on the OPS Monkeypox homepage here. The number of cases reported worldwide is regularly updated through WHO outbreaks of disease outbreaks.
While this event is worrying for many, especially those affected, public health research is ongoing in countries that have identified cases, including contact tracking, clinical management, and isolation.
PAHO / WHO also works with member states to support outbreak surveillance, preparedness and response activities.
To further limit the spread among people, it is vital that countries raise awareness about monkeypox and its mode of transmission, especially among those most at risk of infection.
Smallpox of the monkey
Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis (a virus transmitted to humans by animals), which can also be transmitted from one person to another through close contact with an infected person.
Symptoms include fever, headaches, muscle aches and rashes, which tend to be concentrated on the face, palms and soles of the feet. Affected people are infected from the onset of symptoms until the skin lesions are completely healed.
Symptoms of monkeypox are resolved in most patients on their own with supportive treatment. However, it is important to reduce the risk of infection by limiting contact with people who have suspected or confirmed monkeypox.
The transmission of smallpox from person to person has historically been limited. Although the risk to the general public is low, the WHO responds to this event as a high priority to prevent further spread.