The Click Times: The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that monkeypox is spreading to humans in Central Africa, and could fuel new outbreaks.
Monkeypox is a viral infection that causes severe skin eruptions and can lead to death. It often starts with a fever, headache, and malaise.
The virus was first reported in humans in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 2017, but since then it has spread to neighboring countries including Rwanda and Uganda.
Monkeypox is highly infectious and can cause severe illness, including respiratory problems and pneumonia. In severe cases, it can lead to death.
It is spread by direct contact with people who are sick or have been in contact with infected animals. It cannot be transmitted from person to person.
In October 2018, WHO announced that monkeypox had been confirmed in five new areas of the DRC – Bas Uele Province (Nyungwe Forest), Nyanza Province (Mwamba), Virunga National Park, Kivu Province (Katana Base Camp), and Ituri Province (Makombo).
The WHO said that monkeypox has reached an epidemic phase in the region and urged travelers to avoid visiting affected areas. It also recommended that local authorities should be more active in preventing the transmission of the virus among humans.
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Researchers Warn Monkeypox is Spreading to Humans in Central Africa could fuel new outbreaks
The WHO said its latest study found that one million people are at risk of infection if there are further outbreaks or if people migrate with monkeypox. This figure is three times higher than previous estimates based on modeling by the DRC Ministry of Health.
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The organization said it was also concerned about cases being reported in other countries in central Africa, including Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Liberia.
The warning comes after a traveler brought the disease back from Gabon. The WHO said it was not yet clear how many people have been infected with the disease, but that it is spreading quickly around the world.
There are no vaccines or treatments for monkeypox, but an early diagnosis can help prevent complications.
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