The first case of monkeypox outside of Africa has been registered in Europe, namely in Sweden.
The patient sought medical help in Stockholm, the media reported, citing the acting head of the Swedish Public Health Agency, Olivia Wigzell.
According to her, at the moment there is no epidemiological threat to the Scandinavian state.
As for the patient, it is known that this citizen was infected with monkeypox while in Africa, where the epidemic broke out.
The WHO previously declared the monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency.
And what about Belarus?
The press service of the Ministry of Health of the Republic answered this question on its official Telegram channel.
According to the agency's statement, not a single case of monkeypox has been recorded in the country.
However, the press service added, Belarusian doctors “are prepared for the existing possibility of importing this infection from the territories of other states.”
The Ministry draws attention to the fact that at present any infection or virus can be found in any country.
This is due to the intensity of life in modern society: people move a lot and often, economic, cultural and tourist ties are growing.
Reagents, laboratories
In this regard, 2 years ago, specialists from the Research Institute of Hygiene, Toxicology, Epidemiology, Virology and Microbiology of the Republican Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health developed a set of reagents.
It allows diagnosing the presence of signs, including monkeypox, using the PCR method in real time.
The country also has the appropriate conditions (BSL-3 laboratories) that allow all types of work to be carried out with pathogenic biological agents of risk group 4, the Ministry of Health assured.
In addition, the Research Institute of General Electronics and Mathematics is a permanent participant in the WHO global program for laboratory quality control of monkeypox virus diagnostics.
Therefore, the report says, Belarusian doctors have experience in carrying out appropriate diagnostics.
Readiness is ensured
In addition, sanitary and quarantine control is carried out at checkpoints on the borders with neighboring countries to prevent the import and spread of infections.
This measure applies primarily to those citizens who arrive in the republic from countries with high rates of disease, including monkeypox.
The country is prepared to carry out all necessary anti-epidemic, diagnostic, therapeutic and other measures in the event of the introduction of this infection in order to prevent its spread, the ministry summed up.
