July 29, 2022
2 mins read

US, Europe worst hit in global monkeypox outbreak: WHO

Over 18,000 monkeypox cases have been reported to the WHO from 78 countries. More than 70 per cent of these came from the European region and 25 per cent from the America…reports Asian Lite News

Europe and the Americas have been affected the most by the monkeypox outbreak, Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told journalists here on Wednesday.

These two regions have reported 95 per cent of the diagnosed cases, he said, warning against stigma and discrimination in monkeypox messaging.

Over 18,000 monkeypox cases have been reported to the WHO from 78 countries. More than 70 per cent of these came from the European region and 25 per cent from the Americas, he said.

He said that 98 per cent of the reported cases have been among men who have sex with men, stressing that stigma and discrimination can be “as dangerous as any virus and can fuel the outbreak.”

“As we have seen with COVID-19 misinformation,” it can spread rapidly online, he said, “so we call on social media platforms, tech companies and news organizations to work with us to prevent and counter harmful information.”

Last Saturday, the WHO officially declared monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). A PHEIC is the highest level of alert that the United Nations (UN) health body can give.

The WHO has been urging countries to take the monkeypox outbreak seriously by taking the steps needed to stop transmission and protect vulnerable groups. “The best way to do that is to reduce the risk of exposure and make safe choices,” he said.

“For men who have sex with men, this includes, for the moment, reducing your number of sexual partners, reconsidering sex with new partners, and exchanging contact details with any new partners to enable follow-up if needed.”

Meanwhile, Canada, the European Union and the US have already approved the vaccine called MVA-BN (Modified Vaccinia Ankara – Bavarian Nordic) for use against monkeypox, and two other vaccines are also being assessed. However, due to the lack of data on the effectiveness and dosage of the vaccines, the WHO currently does not recommend mass vaccination against monkeypox. It also urges all countries that are administering such vaccines to collect and share critical data on their effectiveness. (ANI/Xinhua)

ALSO READ: Toro warns Asian aggressors will face Western might

Previous Story

Gen Bajwa urges US to expedite release of IMF funds

Next Story

Biden’s climate change legislation gets a big push

Latest from -Top News

India, UAE Strengthen Green Partnership

At the IUCN 2025 in Abu Dhabi, Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh urged stronger India‑UAE climate and biodiversity cooperation….reports Asian Lite News The government said India and the UAE have significant potential to

India Commits to Afghan Growth

As a special gesture, India gifted 20 ambulances to the Afghan people with a symbolic handover being done by the EAM…reports Asian Lite News India on Friday announced plans to expand its

Islamabad, Rawalpindi Shut Down Over TLP Rally

Authorities have placed containers at Faizabad Interchange to block entry into Islamabad from Rawalpindi….reports Asian Lite News In Pakistan’s capital Islamabad and neighbouring Rawalpindi, roads and entry points were sealed, and communication

NY Attorney General indicted in mortgage fraud

The indictment comes just weeks after former FBI Director James Comey was charged in a separate, highly controversial case…reports Asian Lite News New York Attorney General Letitia James has been charged in

US targets Chinese flights over Russia

US carriers have long criticised the allowance of Chinese flights over Russia, arguing that the shorter routes reduce travel time and fuel consumption, providing an unfair advantage….reports Asian Lite News The Trump
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Trump expected to surrender next week

Trump, who has denied any wrongdoing and has repeatedly assailed

Modi in US for Quad summit

On Friday, he will have a personal meeting with Biden,