As monkeypox cases continue to surge from more than 58 countries, the World Health Organisation has raised alarm bells for another energy meeting.
Dr Tedros of the WHO said that his concern about the virus continues. “Across the world there has now been more than 6000 cases recorded,” he expressed before adding that Europe is the current epicentre of the outbreak.
Dr Tedros noted that Europe is recording over 80% of monkeypox cases globally, but due to testing challenges the probability of the number being higher due to unrecorded cases is real.
Of African cases, he noted that “cases are appearing in countries not previously affected and record numbers are being recorded in places which have previous experience with monkeypox.”
As a result of the concern, the WHO has made the decision to reconvene the Emergency Committee. They are expected to come together in the week of 18 July or sooner if necessary.
This comes after the last Emergency Committee meeting which took place in late June. The committee had decided at this interval that the outbreak was not at emergency status.
Meanwhile, Cape Town recorded its first case of the virus on 30 June.
City Health Clinics have expressed that they are prepared to test and provide supportive treatment to those who are symptomatic, as well as, provide guidance and information to them and their loved ones.
Mayco Member for Community Services and Health, Patricia Van der Ross indicated that COVID-19 and its severe pressure has prepared the health system to manage future outbreaks.
“Our health response was severely tested during the COVID-19 pandemic, and I think the experiences will be extremely valuable in managing any future disease outbreaks,” she said.
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