No Cases of Monkeypox Reported in Armenia, Ministry of Health

No cases of monkeypox have been reported in Armenia, and the risk of penetration and subsequent spread is considered low, according to the Armenian Ministry of Health.

On August 14, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency of international concern for the second time in two years, due to an increase in monkeypox cases in Congo and several African countries, as well as the emergence of a new cluster of sexually transmitted virus variants.

What is Monkeypox?
It is a viral zoonotic disease primarily documented in certain countries of Central and West Africa. The virus is transmitted through bites from infected animals or by using meat and skins of wild animals, and rarely through contact with infected humans or contaminated materials. The virus enters the body through broken skin, respiratory tract, or mucous membranes (eye, nose, mouth, sexual routes).

The incubation period ranges from 5 to 21 days. Symptoms include fever, severe headache, swollen lymph nodes, back pain, muscle aches, and pronounced weakness. A rash appears 1 to 3 days after the onset of fever, starting from the face and then spreading to various parts of the body. The disease usually proceeds mildly, with many recovering within a few weeks, though in some cases it can lead to complications and even death (with mortality rates of 0-11%).

It has been proven that previous vaccination against smallpox is 85% effective against monkeypox as well. Currently, two vaccines approved by WHO are being used against this disease.

How to Prevent It:
Be informed, ensure adequate heat treatment of meat and meat products, maintain hand hygiene standards, and avoid contact with individuals who have rashes. If you travel to Africa or come into contact with someone returning from there, seek immediate medical attention in the event of skin rashes or other symptoms.

It should be noted that in 2024, the first case of monkeypox virus infection was confirmed in Pakistan, which has spread to several African countries, Reuters reports, citing the health ministry of the South Asian country. Moreover, the first case of monkeypox detected outside the African continent was reported in Sweden yesterday.