The cases of monkeypox virus identified in at least eight European countries in recent days are “atypical,” said Dr Hans Kluge, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) director for Europe.
First, because all but one of the cases are not related to a trip to West or Central Africa, where the disease is endemic, Kluge said in a press release Friday.
Furthermore, most cases have been detected by sexual health services and in men who have sex with men. Third, the infections are so spread across Europe and beyond (US, Canada, Australia) that the infections may have been going on for a while.
The WHO’s Europe director emphasizes that most cases in Europe so far have a mild course of the disease. But he is still concerned about the coming summer, with festivals and parties that could accelerate the transmission of the virus.
Hand hygiene, face masks and the isolation of suspected and confirmed cases are important to limit the transmission of the monkeypox virus in healthcare settings.
Kluge also emphasizes that people who contract the disease “should not be stigmatized or discriminated against in any way”.
The WHO is working closely with the countries concerned to further investigate the cases, the source of the infections and how to limit the further spread of the virus.
