Cases of monkeypox are on the rise around the world. The first case appeared in the UK and the virus has been making its way across Europe since. In fact, doctors are warning that the cases may just increase.
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Experts are now alerting about the high risk of contracting this virus during music festivals.
Europe already at risk
In Europe, the authorities are already recommending smallpox vaccination to high-risk patients who have been infected with monkeypox. Even though the risk of a spread of monkeypox like Covid-19 is currently classified as rather unlikely by experts, according to NDR, the World Health Organisation is already recommending protective measures similar to those taken during the pandemic.
#Monkeypox has so far been reported from 11 countries that normally don't have the disease. WHO is working with these countries & others to expand surveillance, and provide guidance.
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) May 20, 2022
There are about 80 confirmed cases, and 50 pending investigations. More likely to be reported. pic.twitter.com/YQ3pVJVNVQ
In addition, music festivals in the summer could become super-spreaders of monkeypox. Especially where many people gather in a confined space, partying and getting intimate. Dr Will Nutland, an honorary assistant professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, told The Telegraph:
There’s been talk in some of the networks we are involved in of the potential dangers of groups of people getting together.
Particularly where groups of people may get together and drink, or get high, and start making out.
We know there is a big two-day festival coming up [Mighty Hoopla] that’s going to attract a lot of queer people in London in a week’s time.
Risk of transmission
#Monkeypox (MPX) does not spread easily between people.
— ECDC (@ECDC_EU) May 23, 2022
Human-to-human transmission occurs through close contact with infectious material from skin lesions of an infected person, through respiratory droplets in prolonged face-to-face contact, and through fomites. pic.twitter.com/cTgvh4pinM
Currently, there are already 106 confirmed cases of monkeypox in the UK. This disease is not a sexually transmitted disease (STD), however, the risk of transmission is significantly increased during sex due to the close proximity of sexual activity, reports The Telegraph.
It was observed that the majority of men who were intimate with other men developed an infection with new rashes and several other symptoms.
This article is translated from Gentside DE.
Read more:
⋙ Monkeypox: Who is more likely to be infected with the virus?
⋙ Monkeypox: What you should do if you suspect you might have the virus
⋙ Monkeypox: WHO recommends Covid-19 measures to contain the virus
