There will be no monkeypox pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) leading expert predicted on Monday, but many questions remain unanswered, including exactly how the disease spreads and whether the suspension of widespread vaccination against smallpox, decades the past, may somehow speed up its delivery.
At a public hearing on Monday, Dr. Rosamund Lewis that it is important to note that most of the cases identified in dozens of countries are in gay or bisexual men, so that scientists can study the issue more thoroughly. and at-risk populations can take precautions.
It is very important to describe this because it seems to be an increase in a mode of delivery that may not have been recognized in the past.said Dr. Lewis.
Despite everything, he warns that everyone is possibly at risk of disease, regardless of their sexual orientation. Other experts have pointed out that the disease can be detected in gay and bisexual men for the first time by chance, and can spread to other groups if left unchecked. So far, the WHO says, more than 250 cases have been identified in 23 countries where monkeypox has never been detected.
Dr Lewis admitted that it was not known whether monkeypox was contracted during sexual activity or through close contact during sexual activity. This ensures that the risk for the general population is weak.
It is not yet known whether this virus takes advantage of a new mode of transmission, but it is clear that it continues to take advantage of its known mode of transmission, especially close physical contact.did he say.
It has been found that monkeypox is spread through close physical contact with the infected person, on their clothing or bed.
The wounds are sometimes barely or invisible
He also warns that we see, in current cases, a higher proportion of people with fewer lesions that are more concentrated in the genital area, and are sometimes impossible to see.
You can have these sores in two or four weeks [et] they may not be seen by others, but you can still be infectedwarned Dr. Lewis.
Last week, a WHO adviser said outbreaks in Europe, the United States, Australia and elsewhere were likely linked to sexual activity on both sides in Spain and Belgium.
Most monkeypox victims experience fever, body aches, chills, and fatigue. The most severe cases develop sores on the face and hands that can spread to other parts of the body. No deaths have been reported at present.
Dr Lewis said that while previous outbreaks of monkeypox in West and Central Africa were relatively contained, it was unclear whether asymptomatic victims could spread the disease or whether the disease could be transmitted through the air, such as measles or COVID-19.
Monkeypox is related to smallpox, but its symptoms are milder. After the eradication of smallpox in 1980, countries discontinued their mass vaccination programs. Experts believe this may contribute to the spread of monkeypox, as the population today has little immunity against similar diseases. Smallpox vaccines also protect against monkeypox.
Dr. said. Lewis that he would be shame that monkeypox can take advantage of lack of immune left smallpox 40 years ago. He made sure it was still possible to prevent monkeypox in new areas.
Source: Radio-Canada
