Posted in 1. June 2022, 15:55
Different countries in Europe currently report different infections with monkey pox. Experts fear that spread, which is already extremely rapid due to elevated coronation measures, could increase sharply in the summer.
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Cases of monkey pox now occur in various European countries.
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According to BAG, the disease is usually mild.
WHO / Nigeria Disease Control Center
Experts fear various summer outdoor events and festivals could accelerate the spread. The photo shows the Tomorrowland Festival 2019 in Belgium.
images imago / Belga
The European Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO) sees the risk of further spreading monkey pox at upcoming festivals and major events. “The potential for continued transmission in Europe and beyond in the summer is high,” WHO Regional Director Europe, Hans Henri Kluge said in a statement. Festivals and celebrations in the coming months will also be an opportunity to raise awareness about the disease among young, sexually active and mobile people and to strengthen protective behavior.
Four cases in Switzerland
According to Kluge, investigations in previous cases suggest that the epidemic in the WHO region of Europe was already underway in mid-April. It is the largest and most geographically widespread monkey pox epidemic ever recorded outside the endemic areas of West and Central Africa. With the lifting of coronation measures that restricted travel and major events, there was a rapid, increased transmission. While many of the previous cases have been related to sexual activity, it should not be forgotten that the virus can affect anyone.
No comprehensive measures are necessary
According to Kluge, since the virus does not spread in the same way as Sars-CoV-2, current knowledge does not require as comprehensive a population-level action as is the case with Corona. “But – and this is important – we don’t know yet if we can stop its spread completely,” he said. To achieve this, infections would have to be reduced through clear communication, isolation of infected people, and effective contact tracing.
If you have symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, weakness or skin lesions, you should see a doctor, as recommended by the Swiss health authorities. “The disease is usually mild,” continues BAG. As of May 31, four infections with monkey pox have been recorded in Switzerland.
(DPA / bho)