The World Health Organization is still working to investigate the cause of the spread of monkeypox cases that have emerged outside of West and Central Africa, where the disease is endemic.
Rashes may appear 1 to 5 days after the initial symptoms and can develop into blisters. (Image: Shutterstock)
Currently, the monkeypox cases in Europe are unrelated and have no travel history to Africa, where the disease is endemic. This situation has left scientists puzzled. The latest speculation suggests that the virus may be transmitted through the handling of medical waste.
William Karesh, President of the World Organization for Animal Health, advises: “In rural healthcare facilities, medical waste is collected and set aside, and then must wait for a week before being moved to a specialized disposal site. During this time, various animals, including rodents, may tear open the plastic bags containing the waste and become infected with the virus. We want everyone to pay special attention to ensuring biosecurity during this time.”
Recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States indicate that there have been reports of over 700 monkeypox cases globally, primarily in Europe and North America. Genetic analysis of some monkeypox cases in the U.S. shows that two different strains of the virus are spreading in the country, suggesting that the virus may have been silently spreading for some time.
Currently, thousands of people in West and Central Africa contract monkeypox each year. Since the beginning of the year, about 70 deaths due to this disease have been reported in five African countries. In reality, the death rate from monkeypox is quite low, with no fatalities recorded during the current outbreak in countries outside of West and Central Africa.
