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19 Aug. 2024

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The disease that scares the world: what is ape pox and does it threaten Europe?

Health
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The disease that scares the world: what is ape pox and does it threaten Europe?

Monkeypox has become the next major global health problem after COVID. The disease has now been reported in various regions of the world. Find out what is known about this infection, whether there is a vaccine against it and where it is spreading

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside Ukraine
An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside Ukraine
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Monkeypox is not a new disease in our world, but its periodic outbreaks on different continents of the Earth show that the virus may appear in regions other than Africa, from where the infection began to spread. More details about this disease and the risks for Europe, we tell you in this material.


What is monkeypox and what are the symptoms?


Monkeypox is a viral disease caused by a virus belonging to the poxvirus family. It was first discovered in 1958 in laboratory monkeys, which is where the name came from. In 1970, the first case of human infection was recorded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.


The incubation period of monkeypox ranges from 5 to 21 days. The main symptoms include fever, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue and enlarged lymph nodes. A few days after the first symptoms appear, a rash appears on the skin and goes through several stages, from spots to fluid-filled blisters. On average, the disease lasts 2-4 weeks, after which there is a gradual recovery.


How is this type of smallpox transmitted?


Monkeypox is transmitted by close contact with an infected person or animal. The virus can be transmitted through bodily fluids, damaged skin, and through droplets released through coughing and sneezing. Infection can also occur through items that have been in contact with an infected person, such as clothing or bedding.


Young children may be among the most vulnerable because their immune systems are still in the process of forming. Some experts believe that young children may be at risk because they have more interaction with each other.


People with weakened immune systems and pregnant women are also more vulnerable.


It is recommended to avoid close contact with monkeypox patients and wash hands with soap and water. Patients should be isolated from others until all lesions on their body have disappeared.


According to WHO recommendations, condoms should be used as a precautionary measure during sexual intercourse for 12 weeks after recovery.


Where has the disease already been detected?


As of August 2024, the World Health Organisation (WHO) continues to monitor outbreaks of monkeypox around the world. The greatest activity of the virus has been recorded in Africa, especially in Central and West Africa, where the disease is endemic. However, since 2022, cases have begun to be recorded in countries in Europe, North America and Asia.


In Europe, monkeypox remains relatively rare, but cases have been reported in a number of countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Germany, Ukraine and recently in Sweden. The European Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) continue to monitor the situation, conducting epidemiological studies and strengthening prevention measures.




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Does monkeypox threaten Europe?


Although monkeypox is not spreading as rapidly as other viral infections such as COVID-19, it is still a cause for concern among health professionals. Outbreaks in Europe show that the virus is capable of spreading outside of Africa, making precautions necessary.


Cases of infection in Europe are mainly associated with travelling to endemic regions or close contact with infected animals. Therefore, experts recommend that travellers take precautions, avoid contact with wild animals and carefully monitor their health after travel.


Is there a vaccine against monkeypox?


Vaccines against monkeypox already exist, but are usually only available for people at risk or those who have had close contact with infected individuals.


However, there is a real concern that the funds available to produce such vaccines may not be sufficient to provide all those in need.


WHO has therefore recently asked pharmaceutical companies to make their smallpox vaccines available for emergency use, even if they have not yet received official approval.


The Danish company Bavarian Nordic, which produces one of the two WHO-approved vaccines, assures that its production capacity is sufficient to meet demand.


Important to know


When travelling to Europe or anywhere in the world, there is always a risk of encountering unforeseen health problems or other emergencies. To protect yourself from unplanned expenses, we advise you to take out a special insurance policy that will cover the costs in case of required medical treatment. 


You can apply for a health insurance policy quickly and without any difficulties at this link.


We remind you! The Ministry of Health has adopted new recommendations to counter COVID-19. How to protect your health and life by adhering to the new vaccination schedule, read here.


Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.




Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 


Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

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gestellte Fragen

What is the danger of monkeypox to humans?

This can lead to scarring. The general duration of the disease is between 14 and 21 days, and it can go away on its own. But in some cases, infection with the virus is fatal (an average of four out of a hundred cases), especially among vulnerable groups, including young children.

Which organs are affected by smallpox?

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