The spread of monkeypox also affects France.

Three confirmed cases of the disease have been reported so far in the country, Public Health France (SPF) said Monday, May 23, in a statement.

Similarly, Morocco has discovered three suspected cases, a first in the kingdom, the Ministry of Health announced.

Medical analyzes are in progress.

Proven or suspected cases of monkeypox have been identified in several European countries – Great Britain, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Denmark – as well as in Australia, Canada and the United States – a "unusual" spread according to experts.

There are currently "less than 200 confirmed and suspected cases" in non-endemic countries, summarizes Dr. Van Kerkhove, in charge of the fight against Covid-19 at the World Health Organization, but also emerging diseases and zoonoses.

The response in the United States

This viral disease, rare in Europe, was observed until now mainly in central and western Africa.

The virus was first discovered in monkeys in 1958, hence its name.

The monkeypox virus (or "monkeypox") is transmitted to humans through contact with wild animals, rodents or primates.

But it is potential human-to-human transmissions, usually rare, that alert the medical profession.

The incubation period ranges from five to 21 days and the illness lasts from two to three weeks.

Transmission “can be stopped in non-endemic countries,” said Maria Van Kerkhove.

“We are in a situation where we can use public health tools of early identification coupled with the isolation of cases”, she underlined, specifying that there were currently no cases. severe.

Some countries are already preparing the response.

This is the case of the United States, which today has five probable or confirmed cases.

They are preparing to vaccinate people who have been in close contact with monkeypox patients.

Two smallpox vaccines authorized by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can be used. 

A big global meeting with all experts from many branches is to be held next week to discuss this epidemic.

With Reuters and AFP

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