US health authorities urged today doctors to screen for smallpox in monkeys patients showing suspicious symptoms, noting that there may already be transmission of the virus within the community, but the public health risk remains low.
So far, 21 cases of the disease have been identified in at least 11 states. Patients have been isolated to prevent the virus from spreading, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In total, worldwide, there are more than 700 cases.
Most cases in the U.S. are linked to a trip abroad. But some are linked to other patients within the country and for one it remains unknown how he became infected.
"There may be some local transmission" but "we believe the public health risk is low," Jennifer McQuiston, who is in charge of the monkeypox response, said at a press conference. So far no deaths have been recorded, in the US or in any other country.
Most cases in the US involve gay men - hence the campaigns to raise awareness of this population group - but the disease can affect anyone. "We are working hard to contain" the virus so that the disease does not become endemic, as is the case in many African countries, explained McQuiston.
"The US strategy is to identify cases, track their contacts and isolate them" and also suggest they get vaccinated. Two vaccines, ACAM2000 and Jynneos, are proposed for monkey smallpox, while an antiviral treatment is also available. "We have enough vaccines to handle the situation," assured Dawn O'Connell, of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services."
Source: Proto Thema
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