The United Arab Emirates (UAE), has become the first Gulf state that has recorded a case of monkeypox.
On Tuesday, the Czech Republic and Slovenia reported their first cases. They joined 18 other countries that have confirmed the virus in addition to its Africa base.
This number is expected to increase, but experts maintain that the overall risk to the population is low.
Virus outbreaks have been reported in America, Australia, and Europe.
A fever and rash are common symptoms, but it is rare.
Health officials in the UAE announced that a case of malaria had been identified in a traveller from west Africa who was recently treated.
They claim they are fully prepared to deal with any outbreak and that they have established early surveillance protocols for the detection of the disease.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the virus can be controlled in countries other than Africa if the appropriate response is taken.
Sylvie Briand (director for Global Infectious Hazard Preparedness at WHO), said that “We encourage all to increase surveillance of monkeypox in order to see where transmission levels exist and understand where they are going.”
She said that although the outbreaks might not be as common as normal, they are still manageable.
There are currently 237 cases of monkeypox in Africa. Health authorities all over the world have announced plans for containing the virus.
Germany claims it has ordered upto 40,000 doses Imvanex vaccine, which is used to treat smallpox but also works against monkeypox. This is to be prepared in case of an outbreak.
German health officials stated that anyone who was vaccinated years ago with smallpox vaccine should still have immunity. They also said that older treatments have more side effects and are not suitable for monkeypox prevention today.
