“The potential for further transmission in Europe and elsewhere in the summer is high,” said WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Henri Kluge in a statement. Festivals and celebrations also offer the opportunity to raise awareness of the disease among young people.
According to Kluge, investigations into previous cases suggest that the outbreak in the WHO Europe region was already underway in mid-April. It is the largest and most geographically widespread monkeypox outbreak ever reported outside of the endemic areas of West and Central Africa. In connection with the lifting of corona measures that had restricted travel and major events, there was rapid, increased transmission.
Even though many previous cases have been linked to sexual activity, one should not forget that the virus can affect anyone. According to the Ministry of Health, only one case has become known in Austria. The affected man is being treated in a hospital in Vienna.
Since the virus does not spread in the same way as Sars-CoV-2, according to current knowledge, no such comprehensive measures are necessary at the population level as with Corona, says Kluge. “But – and this is important – we do not yet know whether we can completely contain its spread,” it said. In order to achieve this, infections would have to be reduced through clear communication, isolation of infected people and effective contact tracing.
Source: Nachrichten
