The World Health Organization issued a high alert declaring Monkeypox a global health emergency on 23rd July 2022. At the time of the issuance of the alert; there were slightly more than 16 000 cases confirmed in 75 countries. As of this week, World Health Organization confirms there are now more 35 000 total cases of Monkeypox across 92 countries.
According to the Organization, the spread of the disease jumped by 20% over the last week registering 7500 new cases. The organization still emphasis that the disease is more prevalent amongst men who sleep with other men. It has also been reported that a pet from such a couple has contracted the disease.
The Lancet journal states, “Twelve days after the couple started experiencing symptoms of the disease their 4-year-old Italian greyhound also started showing symptoms.” This became the first possible case of human-to-dog transmission of Monkeypox.
In response, Dr. Rosamund Lewis from WHO stated, “The messaging that has been given up until now is that pets should be isolated from the family members who may be infected. This has been an example of a precautionary approach. It had not been reported before, but it was a reasonable, cautious message to give. And now we have the first incident where this has occurred.”
The disease is currently more prevalent in America and Europe with vaccines being issued, however, they are still not a silver bullet against the disease.
