The World Health Organization (WHO) this Saturday classified monkeypox as an international health emergency and this Wednesday issued a series of recommendations to combat the disease, including reducing the number of sexual partners for gay men.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, said this Wednesday during a press conference held in Geneva, Switzerland that “this is an outbreak that can be stopped if countries, communities and individuals educate themselves, take the risk seriously and take action.” “. necessary steps to stop transmission and protect vulnerable groups. The best way to do this is to reduce the risk of infection.”
Recommendation Gebreisus have gone through a reduction in sexual partners for homosexual men, as they account for 98% of monkeypox infections. “For men who have sex with men [diminuir o risco de exposição] includes reducing the number of sexual partners for now, reviewing sex with new partners, and sharing contact details with new partners so that follow-up action can be taken if necessary,” said the WHO Director-General.
However, the risk is not limited to gay men. “Although they account for 98% of cases, anyone who is exposed can contract chickenpox. That is why we recommend that countries take steps to reduce the risk of transmission to other vulnerable groups, including children, pregnant women and immunocompromised people. In addition to sexual contact, monkeypox can be transmitted in households through close contact between people, such as hugging and kissing, and through contaminated towels or bedding,” the CEO said.
Regarding mass vaccination against the virus, Tedros said there were “problems” with the availability of vaccines and added that he did not consider it necessary.
Author: morning Post
Source: CM Jornal
