As monkey pox cases rise in Brazil, attacks on monkeys are on the rise in the South American country. “We have seen an increase in the number of cases of animals being stalked, stoned or even poisoned,” said Dener Giovanini, coordinator of the National Network to Combat Wildlife Trafficking (Renctas).
“This is because there is a lack of information in Brazilian society” about the fact that the monkeys are not carriers of the virus and thus pose no danger to humans. A number of abused and poisoned monkeys were recently brought to the São José do Rio Preto Zoo, 11 of which died, according to a statement from the city in the state of São Paulo. A video (see below) showed how the animals suffered.
“May not attack monkeys”
The World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva expressed its concern about developments in Brazil. “People should not attack monkeys,” WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris said at a news conference. There have also been repeated attacks on monkeys in Brazil during yellow fever outbreaks.
The disease caused by the monkeypox virus was first discovered in laboratory monkeys – hence the name. Monkeys are considered false hosts, the virus cannot develop in them. The virus is actually widespread in rodents, such as squirrels or rats. You can become infected through contact with such animals. Human-to-human transmission was previously considered rare, but today there is an unusual accumulation of such cases worldwide.
More than 2000 cases in Brazil
Brazil has registered 2,293 cases of monkey pox on August 8, according to the Ministry of Health in Brasilia. The first death outside Africa related to the monkey pox outbreak was confirmed in Latin America’s largest country in late July. According to the health ministry, the 41-year-old had had several previous illnesses, chemotherapy and was immunocompromised.
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.
