According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the previously common smallpox vaccination is 85 percent effective against monkeypox infection. She reported this in Geneva on Saturday, citing studies. Routine vaccination against smallpox was discontinued after smallpox was eradicated in 1980.
Deaths from monkeypox can mainly occur in small children and people with compromised immune systems, such as those caused by HIV infection, the WHO reported. No deaths have been reported outside of Africa since the first cases were reported in mid-May. According to studies, more than 90 percent of those infected made a full recovery, regardless of whether they had been vaccinated against smallpox or not.
WHO already counts 1,285 cases
The number of cases of monkeypox reported in countries outside Africa since May continues to rise. The WHO reported 1,285 cases on Saturday – but referred to the June 8 status. Dozens of other cases have been reported since then in Germany alone, and two so far in Austria. The Robert Koch Institute named 165 cases from nine German states on Friday.
According to the WHO, at least 28 countries outside Africa are affected. Since the beginning of the year, more than 1,500 suspected cases have been reported from eight African countries, where the disease has been known in some cases for decades. 72 victims died.
The WHO assumes that monkeypox has been circulating undetected in countries outside Africa for weeks. However, she considers the risk of global spread to be moderate.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
