The World Health Organization has said there is no room for complacency surrounding the monkeypox outbreak, which has noted that cases in Europe have tripled in just over two weeks, with some infections identified. in children.
In a statement issued on Friday, Dr Hans Kluge, WHO’s regional director for Europe, called on governments and citizens to step up efforts to prevent the disease from expanding its geographical reach. “Urgent and coordinated action is essential if we are to turn a corner in the race to reverse the spread of this disease,” he said.
According to Kluge, more than 90% of the cases confirmed in the latest outbreak have been in the European region, with cases reported in 31 countries and areas. He said confirmed cases in the region had more than tripled since June 15, reaching more than 4,500. Most of the cases for which information is available have been in men who have sex with men, although some have been identified in other demographic groups, including children.
Last week it was revealed that the outbreak would not yet be classified as a public health emergency of international interest, but Kluge said the committee involved would review its position shortly. The label was used for Covid-19, which the WHO declared PHEIC on 30 January 2020.
“Meanwhile, the WHO continues to assess the risk of smallpox in the European region as high,” he said.
Although Kluge said no confirmed cases had died, 10% had been hospitalized for treatment or isolation purposes, and one had been admitted to an intensive care unit.
“There is simply no room for complacency, especially here in the European region with its rapid outbreak which with every hour, day and week is extending its reach to previously unaffected areas,” he said, adding. stigmatization of men who have had sex with men in some countries increased the challenge.
Data from the UK Health Safety Agency released on Friday showed that as of Thursday there had been 1,235 confirmed cases in the UK, more than the 1,076 confirmed last Sunday.
Dr Sophia Makki, director of incidents at UKHSA, urged people attending Saturday’s Pride events to check for blemishes and rashes like blisters.
“If you have a rash or blisters, stay home, call a sexual health clinic and get tested,” he said. “Please be alert for any symptoms of monkeypox in the coming weeks, especially if you are having sex with someone new. To help with our contact tracking, we encourage everyone to make sure they exchange contact information with sexual partners “.