More than a hundred cases of smallpox have so far been confirmed in North America and Europe. On Monday, the first case of the disease was discovered in Denmark. In Sweden, a case has been identified and the Swedish Public Health Agency has classified the disease as generally dangerous.
In Germany, three cases have been found and the country’s authorities have flagged for restrictions to be introduced for those infected. In the US, they are now considering offering vaccines from the country’s national stocks to particularly vulnerable groups, writes CNN.
Does not change
Despite the sudden outbreak of monkey pox, which mainly affected Europe, none of the cases have been serious, according to the WHO. The organization will in the near future contribute with recommendations and guidance for affected countries.
According to the WHO, the virus tends not to change and so far there is no evidence that it has mutated. It is still unclear exactly how and when the outbreak began.
Infects via close contact
Most people affected in Europe and North America are said to have been infected through sexual contact between men. Common symptoms are rash, sores, blisters, fever and swollen lymph nodes.
The symptoms are usually mild. There is no specific treatment for monkey pox.
See more about the progress of the monkey cups in the clip below.