The World Health Organization (WHO) activated its highest level of alert that Saturday to try to contain the outbreak of monkeypox, which has already affected almost 17,000 people in 74 countries. This was announced by the CEO of him.
“I have decided to declare a public health emergency of international scope”Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated at a press conference. He, in turn, assured that the risk in the world is relatively moderate, except in Europe, where it is high.
the official explained that the expert committee had been unable to reach a consensus and remained divided on the need for the highest alert levelbut as director general of the WHO the final decision was left in his hands.
“It’s a call to action, but it’s not the first”said, for his part, Mike Ryan, head of emergencies at the WHO, who said he hopes the alert will allow collective action against the disease.
Since early May, when it was first detected earthquake smallpox outside African countries where it is endemic, the disease affected more than 16,836 people in 74 countriesaccording to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as of July 22.
In Argentina, 13 cases of monkeypox were confirmed until July 14of which 12 had a history of travel prior to the onset of symptoms. This was reported by the Ministry of Health.
Monkeypox is not a sexually transmitted disease, but outside endemic areas affects men who have sex with menwith some exceptions.
It was first detected in humans in 1970. This kind of smallpox is less dangerous and contagious than smallpox, eradicated in 1980.
The disease first manifests as a high fever and rapidly progresses to a skin rash, with crusting. Most of the time It is benign and usually heals spontaneously. after two or three weeks.