Monkeypox intensifies in Europe, debate erupts over declaring ‘pandemic’ [TKB Europe]

The cases of monkeypox are increasing rapidly around the world. The real alarm rang in Europe, where for the first time a record number of monkeypox cases are being reported. So far, around 100 monkeypox patients have been found in Europe. Taking this trend seriously, the World Health Organization (WHO) has held an emergency meeting. Many issues were discussed in detail in that meeting. The debate was also on whether monkeypox should be declared an epidemic.

Right now monkeypox has knocked strongly in 9 countries of Europe – Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and UK. Apart from this, increasing cases of monkeypox in America, Australia and Canada have also raised concern. But in the midst of these increasing cases, experts believe that this disease will not become an epidemic because it does not spread as fast as corona. It is also not easy to get infected by this.

In this regard, Professor Fabian of the Robert Koch Institute says that it seems difficult that this epidemic is going to stretch for a long time. Cases of this disease can be easily isolated, prevented at one place. Vaccines can also significantly reduce the effect of monkeypox. But the European chief of WHO is more concerned about this monkeypox. According to him, if people in Europe attended more parties, if they went for a holiday in summer, then this disease is likely to spread more.

First case of monkeypox in European countries was reported on 7 May. That person also came from Nigeria. Most cases of monkeypox are being found in African countries. Cases are increasing there since 2017. But the worrying trend is that now Europe has also joined this race.

For now, research is showing that the vaccine used against smallpox is also effective against monkeypox. Up to 85 percent of that vaccine has been considered effective. Even the patients who are getting admitted in the hospital do not have any serious symptoms.

Talking about the symptoms of monkeypox, within five days of being infected, symptoms like fever, severe headache, swelling, back pain, muscle pain and fatigue are seen. Monkeypox initially looks like chickenpox, measles or smallpox. After one to three days of fever, its effect starts showing on the skin. Pimples appear on the body. Small pimples appear on the hands, feet, palms, soles of the feet and face. These pimples look like wounds and dry up on their own and fall off.