"I'm concerned about sustained transmission because it would suggest that the virus establishing itself and it could move into high risk groups including children, the immunocompromised and pregnant women," said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
So far, over 4000 cases of monkeypox infections have been reported from over 50 countries. The world health agency also said it is currently tracking the monkeypox outbreak closely and it will reconvene an emergency committee on the same as soon as possible.
Even with the sudden surge in cases, the WHO decided last week not to declare monkeypox a global emergency, but has said it is working on a vaccine-sharing mechanism that some fear could see vaccines go to rich countries like the UK that already have their own stockpiles. Although the disease has been endemic in parts of Africa for decades, vaccines have not been used to stamp out previous outbreaks there.
Recent studies have revealed that the virus causing the current outbreak has several mutations compared with versions of the variant circulating in Africa. “However, we don’t know if these mutations affect clinical disease and how the virus spreads," UNSW Sydney study showed, as reported by news agency PTI.
What are the symptoms of monkeypox?
Most monkeypox patients experience only fever, body aches, chills, and fatigue.
People with more serious illnesses may develop a rash and lesions on the face and hands that can spread to other parts of the body.
Most people infected with monkeypox recover within weeks without needing medical care but the disease can be more severe in vulnerable populations, like pregnant women and children.
(With inputs from agencies)
