Monkey pox. Over 3400 confirmed cases in 50 countries.

The number of confirmed cases of monkeypox worldwide now exceeds 3,400. A total of 50 countries, including Switzerland, are affected.

Monkeypox is much less serious than smallpox, and most infected people recover in three to four weeks (on file).

KEYSTONE/AP

According to indications published Monday evening by the World Health Organization (WHO) and carry until last Wednesday, more than 1300 additional cases have been identified in ten days. Eight countries have been added to the list of those in which infections have been observed.

In total, more than 85% of cases were relayed in Europe. On Saturday, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus decided that this situation did not yet constitute a health emergency of international concern, following the first meeting of an Emergency Committee. But he is very worried regarding the wide and rapid spread of this pathology in countries where it is not endemic.

In Africa, dozens of people have died this year from this virus. Monkeypox is considered a rare disease. A high fever quickly turns into a rash. Very often without consequence, it only lasts two to three weeks.

Mr Tedros called for collaboration in the response and for patients to be isolated. A vaccine exists, but the WHO does not currently recommend a massive campaign in the various countries.

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