The confirmed cases of Monkeypox in non-endemic countries has risen to 1,217 according to a World Health Organisation report issued between 13 May-8 June. No cases have been confirmed in Cyprus so far.
At the same time, the Cyprus Ministry of Health said, 1,536 suspected cases were reported in eight countries in the African region while 59 cases were confirmed and 72 deaths reported.
It further said that in Cyprus there has not been a confirmed case of monkeypox so far and the danger is described as moderate for persons with multiple sexual partners and low for the wider population.
According to epidemiological research, most cases have been detected through sexual health clinics or other health services in primary or secondary health care facilities and have a travel history to European and north America countries and not endemic countries where the virus is known to exist.
The majority of confirmed cases comes to 1,056 and is an 87%, percentage deriving from the WHO’’s European region.
According to the Ministry, as the situation unfolds, the WHO expects that there will be more monkeypox cases.
Currently, the likelihood of monkeypox spreading is higher in those who have multiple sexual partners in the EU/EEA.
Monkeypox virus can cause serious disease in certain population groups (young children, pregnant women, immunosuppressed individuals). However, the probability of developing cases with severe morbidity cannot yet be precisely estimated.
If there is a suspected case in Cyprus, the patient will be referred for specialised tests at the reference Hospital in Nicosia for adults and Makarios Hospital for children.
Source: Cyprus News Agency