FIRST CASE OF MONKEYPOX DETECTED IN UAE
First case of Monkeypox has been detected in the UAE. The Ministry of Health and Prevention said the virus was detected in a 29-year-old visitor from West Africa.
The ministry has reassured residents that it is following all due safety measures, including investigation, contact tracing and follow-up. All medical facilities in the country were told to report any suspected cases to prevent the local spread of the virus.
The disease is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with material contaminated with the virus. The virus is transmitted from one person to another by close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding. Though rare and usually mild, monkeypox can still potentially cause severe illness.
Symptoms of monkeypox are similar but less severe than those of the smallpox virus. They normally appear a week or two after exposure to the virus, though it can take longer in some cases. Monkeypox normally starts with flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, a headache, and achy muscles.
The incubation period of monkeypox is usually from seven to 14 days, but can extend to 21 days.