France, Germany and Belgium have also reported their first case of smallpox.
New Delhi:
The World Health Organization (WHO) has convened an emergency meeting to discuss monkeypox, a virus that is spreading rapidly across Europe and North America. The health authority is expected to focus on the transmission and vaccines of the virus, according to The Telegraph.
Cases of monkeypox have been reported in several countries this month. As of May 6, 20 cases of the rare virus have been confirmed in the UK. France, Germany and Belgium also reported the first case of monkey infection.
Monkeypox is a virus that is transmitted to humans from animals, with symptoms very similar to smallpox but less severe clinically.
A rare disease that is not usually fatal, it often manifests itself through fever, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and a rash similar to chickenpox on the hands and face.
Smallpox can be transmitted through contact with damaged skin and droplets of an infected person, as well as through common items such as bedding and towels. The WHO also said some of the recent cases appear to have been passed on to the gay community.
There is currently no specific treatment for monkeypox. Patients usually need to be in a specialized hospital so that the infection does not spread and common symptoms can be treated.
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