World Health Organization Holds Emergency Meeting as Monkeypox Spreads

World Health Organization Holds Emergency Meeting as Monkeypox Spreads

The World Health Organization (WHO) held an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the recent outbreak of monkeypox, a viral infection, as over 100 cases have been confirmed or suspected in Europe.

Germany now reports Europe’s largest outbreak. Now, cases have been reported in at least nine countries – Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom - as well as the United States, Canada and Australia.

The first American case in 2022 was reported in Massachusetts earlier this week.

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In a statement on Friday, the WHO said that "the recent outbreaks reported across 11 countries so far are atypical, as they are occurring in non-endemic countries".

WHO said it was "working with the affected countries and others to expand disease surveillance to find and support people who may be affected."

Here Is What You Need to Know:

 

CDC on Transmission

Transmission of monkeypox virus occurs when a person comes into contact with the virus from an animal, human, or materials contaminated with the virus. The virus enters the body through broken skin (even if not visible), respiratory tract, or the mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth). Animal-to-human transmission may occur by bite or scratch, bush meat preparation, direct contact with body fluids or lesion material, or indirect contact with lesion material, such as through contaminated bedding. Human-to-human transmission is thought to occur primarily through large respiratory droplets. Respiratory droplets generally cannot travel more than a few feet, so prolonged face-to-face contact is required. Other human-to-human methods of transmission include direct contact with body fluids or lesion material, and indirect contact with lesion material, such as through contaminated clothing or linens.

 

CDC on Treatment

Currently, there is no proven, safe treatment for monkeypox virus infection. For purposes of controlling a monkeypox outbreak in the United States, smallpox vaccine, antivirals, and vaccinia immune globulin (VIG) can be used. Learn more about smallpox vaccine, antivirals, and VIG treatments.