Connect with us

Published

on

Monkeypox diagnosed in Belgium – In Belgium, a first infection with the monkeypox virus has been established, reported the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp Thursday evening. The virus, which is extremely rare in Europe, has recently started to appear more and more often on our continent.

No infections have yet been detected in the Netherlands.

Since the beginning of this month, several dozen infections have already been reported in various European and North American countries.

In Spain and Portugal, more than forty confirmed and suspected cases of the virus infection have now been discovered, while the number of infections in Great Britain has risen to at least seven after the first three cases earlier in May.

Advertisement

The outbreaks in southern Europe are concentrated in the regions of the capitals Madrid and Lisbon. The British, who speak of an “extremely unusual” situation, are working with the World Health Organization (WHO) to investigate the British outbreak.

How it is that the virus is suddenly spreading is still unclear. According to the RIVM, the virus variant that is currently circulating in Europe is not very contagious.

Significant proportion of infections through sexual contact

In general, an infection with the monkeypox virus takes place via respiratory droplets. A significant proportion of current infections occurred through sexual contact, health authorities say. In most cases, it was about sex between men.

Advertisement

The symptoms resemble an infection with the disappeared disease smallpox. People infected with monkeypox get a rash that usually starts in the face and then goes to other parts of the body.

YOU MAY HAVE MISSED:
Ukraine war could last months, if not years', says British deputy prime minister 1

Other symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills and fatigue. Most people recover from the disease within a few weeks.

There is a vaccine against the monkeypox virus. According to the RIVM, this can be used in the first days after a (possible) infection. The vaccine can also be used to prevent people from becoming infected. It is available in Europe.

Monkeypox normally only occurs in Central and West Africa. The virus was first found in monkeys in 1958.

Advertisement

Monkeypox diagnosed in Belgium, virus is popping up more and more often in Europe

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ AFRILATEST.COM

JOIN US ON TELEGRAM : @ AFRILATEST.COM

JOIN US ON TWITTER : @ AFRILATEST

Thanks for chosen afrilatest, Feel free to be the first to leave us a comment down the comment box. Enjoy our reward system for all SUBSCRIBERS
Advertisement
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Trending