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The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that the outbreak of the international monkeypox virus now constitutes a public health emergency (PHEIC) of international concern.
The United Nations (UN) Health Organization had previously discussed the issue, but WHO Director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a media briefing on Saturday that the International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Commission would spread the virus at the time. I explained that I generally agreed.Does not represent [PHEIC].. “
Since then, the outbreak of monkeypox has continued to grow, with more than 16,000 cases reported from 75 countries and territories, he said.
Five deaths have been confirmed.
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Tedros noted that the risk of interference with international transport remained low, but said there was a clear risk of further international spread.
The WHO’s current assessment indicates that the risk of monkeypox is moderate worldwide, except in Europe, which is rated at high risk.
In particular, the Commission did not reach an agreement on advice on PHEIC’s decision during the second meeting.
Tedros made the decision in light of the views of the Commission members and advisors, in addition to other factors in line with IHR.
“I have declared a public health emergency of international concern, but for now this has been concentrated on men who have sex with men, especially those with multiple sexual partners. “Tedros said.
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“That means this is an outbreak that can be stopped with the right strategy of the right group,” he said.
Leaders should work closely with the male community where all countries have sex with men, provide effective information and services, and take steps to protect “health, human rights and dignity of affected communities”. Insisted that was essential.
He warned against the stigma and said in a tool that the world is now free to use: [monkeypox] Occurrence under control. “
The monkeypox virus has been established in central and western Africa for decades, but was not known to cause large-scale outbreaks across continents or spread widely to people until May. ..
In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 2,891 confirmed cases of monkeypox and orthopoxvirus. The majority of these cases are in New York, where vaccination efforts face technical challenges.
Most cases are found in gay or bisexual men, but experts warn that everyone is at potential risk.
People are usually infected with the monkeypox virus through contact with skin lesions and body fluids of infected animals and humans, or with substances contaminated with the virus.
Monkeypox, which is associated with smallpox, has mild symptoms.
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Symptoms of monkeypox include fever, chills, rash, and pain before the lesion develops.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.