Colombo, May 21 (Newswire) – An extremely rare disease called monkeypox, a cousin of smallpox, has again made its way to several countries.
Monkeypox has so far been reported from 11 countries that normally don’t have the disease, World Health Organisation said in a statement.
France, Germany, Belgium and Australia confirmed their first cases of monkeypox on Friday.
In the past week, the UK, Spain, Portugal, Italy, US, Sweden and Canada all reported infections.
Monkeypox typically causes fever, chills, a rash and lesions on the face or genitals. The WHO estimates the disease is fatal for about one in 10 people, but smallpox vaccines are protective and some antiviral drugs are also being developed.
“World Health Organisation is working with these countries & others to expand surveillance, and provide guidance.There are about 80 confirmed cases, and 50 pending investigations. More likely to be reported” WHO said in a statement.
