Friday, December 19, 2025
ADVT 
International

WHO warns of further transmission of monkeypox over summer

Darpan News Desk IANS, 01 Jun, 2022 05:05 PM
  • WHO warns of further transmission of monkeypox over summer

Copenhagen, June 1 (IANS) The WHO has said that it aimed to contain the monkeypox outbreak by stopping human transmission to the maximum extent possible, warning that the potential for further transmission in Europe and elsewhere this summer is high.

In a statement, the WHO on Tuesday added that its European Region "remained at the epicenter of the largest and most geographically widespread monkeypox outbreak ever reported outside of endemic areas in western and central Africa".

Responding to the rise in cases of monkeypox throughout Europe over the past two weeks, WHO's Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge outlined the steps required to "rapidly investigate and control this fast-evolving situation".

The WHO European office is concerned that the recent lifting of pandemic restrictions on international travel and events could act as a catalyst for rapid transmission, Xinhua news agency reported.

"Monkeypox has already spread against the backdrop of several mass gatherings in the region. Over the coming months, many of the dozens of festivals and large parties planned provide further contexts where amplification may occur," Kluge said in the statement.

"The potential for further transmission in Europe and elsewhere over the summer is high."

He urged the strengthening of "cross-country collaboration and information-sharing mechanisms, heightened surveillance, and community communication" to prevent misinformation from being "amplified online and through other sources, leading to negative public health outcomes".

"Our goal is to contain this outbreak by stopping human-to-human transmission to the maximum extent possible," the WHO Regional Director added, calling on efforts to increase awareness of monkeypox and share information on how people can reduce their risk of exposure.

The extensive measures used to combat Covid-19 are not required to tackle monkeypox in Europe, he said, "because the virus does not spread in the same way."

On Tuesday, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the country has recorded 190 confirmed monkeypox cases since May 7.

According to UKHSA, the risk to the UK population remains low, but the agency "is asking people to be alert to any new rashes or lesions, which would appear like spots, ulcers or blisters, on any part of their body".

MORE International ARTICLES

White House, GOP infrastructure talks hit crucial stage

White House, GOP infrastructure talks hit crucial stage
Republicans did increase their offer and have been working in good faith with the White House, according to a Republican granted anonymity to discuss the private talks.

White House, GOP infrastructure talks hit crucial stage

Lawsuit reveals that Swami Narayan Temple in New Jersey was built on forced labor

Lawsuit reveals that Swami Narayan Temple in New Jersey was built on forced labor
The lawsuit takes aim at the leaders of the Hindu organization known as Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, or BAPS, for human trafficking and exploitation of workers through low wages. 

Lawsuit reveals that Swami Narayan Temple in New Jersey was built on forced labor

Indian origin man charged with assaulting, killing mom on Mother's Day eve

Indian origin man charged with assaulting, killing mom on Mother's Day eve
An Indian origin man has been charged with assaulting and killing his own mom on the eve of Mother's Day, according to a New York prosecutor.

Indian origin man charged with assaulting, killing mom on Mother's Day eve

20 killed as Israel strikes Gaza after Hamas rocket barrage

20 killed as Israel strikes Gaza after Hamas rocket barrage
Tensions simmering in Jerusalem in recent days have taken deadly turn as militants in the Gaza Strip and Israel exchanged attacks, with at least 20 people killed, according to officials.

20 killed as Israel strikes Gaza after Hamas rocket barrage

As virus engulfs India, diaspora watches with despair

As virus engulfs India, diaspora watches with despair
Many Indian Americans are wracked with guilt over emerging from more than a year of isolation as relatives overseas struggle to find vaccines, hospital beds and, fatefully, their breath.

As virus engulfs India, diaspora watches with despair

US officials: Anxiety drove vaccine reactions in 5 states

US officials: Anxiety drove vaccine reactions in 5 states
Many of the 64 people affected either fainted or reported dizziness. Some got nauseous or vomited, and a few had racing hearts, chest pain or other symptoms. 

US officials: Anxiety drove vaccine reactions in 5 states