First case of Monkeypox detected in Russia

Russia has identified a first patient suffering from monkey smallpox, health constable Rospotrebnadzor announced on Tuesday, saying the patient was returning from Europe when he was diagnosed.

“The infection was detected in a young man who had just returned from a trip across Europe and who approached a medical facility with a characteristic rash,” the organization said in a statement.  “The circle of people who have been in contact (with the patient) has been identified,” added the same source.

Since May, Europe has been affected by an outbreak of Monkeypox, a virus endemic to countries in Central and West Africa. Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, and France are among the countries most affected.

The WHO Emergency Committee on Monkeypox to help determine the severity of the health crisis is scheduled to meet no later than the week of July 18.

With cases rising and chains of infection difficult to trace, several countries have decided to extend vaccination, now offered preemptively to the most vulnerable groups, including homosexuals.

Indeed, the majority of the reported cases involve men who have homosexual relations.