The Public Health Authority “Weqaya” in Saudi Arabia called on travelers to stay away from crowded places as much as possible and to commit to wearing a mask and sterilizing hands on an ongoing basis, to prevent infection with “monkeypox.”
The authority confirmed that the disease is transmitted when a person is exposed to contact with an animal or human infected with the virus or fluids and secretions, and pointed out that transmission occurs between humans and animals when biting and scribbling from the infected animal, according to the Saudi “Sabq” website.
The authority added that the disease is transmitted between humans and humans, and it occurs through respiratory droplets or physical contact with a person who suffers due to symptoms or contact with contaminated surfaces and personal items.
The authority indicated that this type of smallpox is endemic in some parts of West and Central Africa, and in May 2022 a number of cases appeared without travel history to African countries, which suggests the existence of a limited community transmission chain of the disease.
The authority advised to see a doctor if a rash appears after a high temperature, especially if this person is returning from travel during the past 21 days to start the symptoms.