ROME, MAY 22 (ANSA) The World Health Organization (WHO) reported this Sunday (22) that at least 12 countries have confirmed the existence of 92 cases of monkeypox, a rare disease caused by a virus similar to smallpox extinct worldwide since 1980.
So far the disease has been registered in the following countries: Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom and United States.
In Italy, health authorities have identified three cases of the disease, the last two of which are linked to the country’s “zero case” of monkeypox, which was detected in Rome in a patient who had recently returned from the Canary Islands, Spain.
According to the WHO, no travel connections have been made to areas where the disease is endemic for the cases reported so far.
“Based on the information currently available, cases have been identified primarily, but not exclusively, in men who have sex with men,” it warned in a statement.
The organization said the situation “is evolving” and it predicts “more cases of monkeypox will be identified as surveillance expands in nonendemic countries.”
“Immediate action is focused on informing those who may be at greatest risk of infection with accurate information to prevent further spread,” the WHO said.
“The evidence currently available suggests that those most at risk are those who have had close physical contact with someone with monkeypox while they were symptomatic.”
WHO data shows smallpox are endemic countries: Benin, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Ghana (identified only in animals), Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo and Sierra Leone.
“WHO is working to provide guidance to protect frontline health workers and other health workers who may be at risk of contracting smallpox, such as janitors,” the statement adds, revealing that more will be forthcoming in the coming years technical advice is provided.
The virus can be transmitted through saliva drip and through contact with bodily fluids and skin lesions, including during sexual intercourse. The symptoms are similar to those of smallpox, such as fever, muscle aches and the appearance of blisters on the skin, albeit in a milder form.
The name “monkeypox” comes from the fact that the virus was discovered in 1958 in great ape colonies. Rodents are currently considered to be the main hosts of the pathogen. (ANSA).