WHO To Call Emergency Meeting Over Rising Cases Of Monkeypox In Several Countries

Though the virus does not spread easily in humans, but the transmission can occur through contact with the body fluids

World Health Organisation Head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus ( Image Source :AFP )

New Delhi: The World Health Organisation has decided to convene an emergency meeting with experts to discuss the monkeypox outburst in wake of rapidly increasing cases in several countries, reported news agency ANI citing Russian media. 

As per news agency Sputnik, citing The Telegraph report, the meeting’s agenda is believed to be the ways of virus’ transmission and its high prevalence in gays and bisexual men, as well as the situation with vaccines. 

Cases of monkeypox had been witnessed since early May this year across the world including in countries such as the United Kingdom, Spain, Belgium, Italy, Australia, and Canada. 

On May 18, the US' Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed a single case of monkeypox virus infection in an adult male with recent travel to Canada.

As per the release, the case poses no risk to the public, and the individual is hospitalised and in good condition.

"Monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious viral illness that typically begins with flu-like illness and swelling of the lymph nodes and progresses to a rash on the face and body. Most infections last 2-to-4 weeks. In parts of central and west Africa where monkeypox occurs, people can be exposed through bites or scratches from rodents and small mammals, preparing wild game, or having contact with an infected animal or possibly animal products," the statement reads.

Though the virus does not spread easily in humans, but the transmission can occur through contact with the body fluids, monkeypox sores, items that have been contaminated with fluids or sores (clothing, bedding, etc.), or through respiratory droplets following prolonged face-to-face contact.