‘Traditional values’ will shield Russians from mpox, says health regulator
The government is implementing all essential actions to manage the virus, as stated by Rospotrebnadzor. Read the full article at RT.com.
![‘Traditional values’ will shield Russians from mpox, says health regulator](https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2024.08/thumbnail/66c38382203027092a682fba.jpg?#)
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently proclaimed a global health emergency due to rising mpox cases primarily in Africa, emphasizing the need for an organized global effort to halt the spread and protect public health.
"Considering the specifics of how mpox is spread, I am absolutely sure that in Russia with its traditional values this disease, which is an epidemic disease, is not something we need to be afraid of,” Popova mentioned in a statement released through the SHOT Telegram channel.
Transmission of the virus occurs through close contact with the skin or mucous membranes of an infected person, contaminated items, or through animal vectors. The WHO notes a significant prevalence of mpox among men who engage in homosexual relations.
Rospotrebnadzor confirmed on Thursday, "no threat of the disease spreading in Russia," citing proactive governmental actions to swiftly identify any infections. They continue to closely monitor the health landscape to ensure public safety.
Russia's first encounter with mpox was in July 2022 when a man diagnosed with the virus after traveling from Portugal was promptly isolated and treated, successfully containing the virus, as per the health agency.
Popova highlighted that there have only been three recorded cases of mpox in Russia since the global spread began in 2022, all of which were effectively managed and contained promptly.
“For Russia this does not present a danger,” Popova emphasized confidently, “We’re not expecting it (mpox) to spread, it won’t happen.”
The virus has historically concentrated in central Africa, with countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo experiencing endemic levels. The WHO's renaming of the disease to mpox aimed at reducing stigma. Despite this, there has been a noticeable increase in cases and fatalities this year compared to the total numbers reported last year.
Recent studies suggest the current mpox variant is more lethal and does not respond to previously effective treatments targeting the strain from the 2022-2023 period.
Mpox was originally identified in 1958 in laboratory monkeys in Denmark. The first human cases were documented in 1970 in several African countries. The first recognized human infection by the WHO occurred in 1970 in what was then known as Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Lucas Dupont for TROIB News