Belgium introduces mandatory monkeypox quarantine as global cases rise

Belgium became the first country to introduce a compulsory 21-day quarantine for monkeypox patients. Cases of this disease are usually peculiar to Africa. It is spread all over the world.

Belgian health authorities Introduced measures on Friday After reporting the third case of the virus. As of Monday, the country recorded four local cases. There are currently about 100 confirmed global infectious diseases.

Belgian coercion applies only to patients with confirmed infections. Close contact is not required for self-isolation, but it is advisable to be vigilant, especially if you are in contact with vulnerable people.

A translated version of the government’s announcement said, “Infected individuals need to be in contact isolation until the injury is healed (subject to specific instructions from the therapist).”

Meanwhile, Britain High-risk people said It is necessary to self-quarantine for 21 days to catch the illness. This includes home contacts or medical professionals who may have come into contact with the infected patient.

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which is part of the smallpox family, and has symptoms such as a rash. Fever, headache, muscle aches, swelling, back pain..

Normally Less severe than smallpoxHealth experts are raising concerns about the recent outbreaks that begin in early May in countries other than Central and West Africa.

Health authorities, including the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention And the UK Health Security BureauThey noted that cases were particularly concentrated among men who had sex with men, and especially urged gay and bisexual men to pay attention to abnormal rashes and lesions.

As of Saturday, World Health Organization According to reports, there are 92 cases in 12 countries, and an additional 28 suspicious cases are under investigation. The United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Belgium, Portugal and the Netherlands have all confirmed cases.

Public health agencies have stated that recently reported cases have nothing to do with travel from endemic countries in Africa, which is rare for the disease. It usually spreads through human-to-human or human-to-animal contact.

“Epidemiological investigations are underway, but the cases reported so far do not have an established travel link to endemic areas,” WHO said. Statement posted on the website Saturday.

“Based on currently available information, cases have been primarily identified between men seeking care at primary care and sexual health clinics (MSMs) and men having sex, but limited to this. It won’t be done. “

Most cases of monkeypox are mild and Usually resolved within 2-4 weeksCurrently No proven vaccine.. The smallpox vaccine has proven to be 85% effective in preventing infections. Some countries Already started Stockpile dose..

Berkeley warned that a new outbreak, despite the “not yet over” pandemic of the existing coronavirus, warned authorities to invest more resources in the infectious disease.He was speaking as a bystander World Economic Forum In Davos with political and business leaders Gathered this week For important global issues, including preparing for a pandemic.

“This is evolutionarily certain that we will see more outbreaks,” he said. “That’s why it’s so important to be prepared for a pandemic. See what you can do financially when you’re hit by a pandemic.”