In a statement issued on Friday, Dr Hans Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe, called on governments and the public to step up efforts to prevent the spread of the disease. “Urgent and concerted action is imperative if we are to turn a corner in the fight to reverse the continued spread of this disease,” he said. According to Kluge, more than 90% of confirmed cases in the latest outbreak were in the European region, with cases reported in 31 countries and territories. He said confirmed cases across the region had more than tripled since June 15 to more than 4,500. Most cases for which information is available have been in men who have sex with men, although some have been identified in other demographics, including children. Last week it was revealed that the outbreak would not yet be classified as a public health emergency of international concern, but Kluge said the committee involved would review its position soon. The label was used for Covid-19, which was declared a PHEIC by the WHO on January 30, 2020. “Meanwhile, WHO continues to assess the risk of monkeypox in the European region as high,” he said. While Kluge said no confirmed cases had died, 10 percent had been hospitalized for treatment or isolation, and one had been admitted to an intensive care unit. “There is simply no room for complacency, especially here in the European region with the rapidly evolving epidemic that is expanding its reach by the hour, day and week into previously unaffected areas,” he said, adding the stigmatization of men who have sex with men in some countries compounded the challenge. Figures from the UK’s Health Security Agency released on Friday showed that by Thursday, there were 1,235 confirmed cases in the UK, up from 1,076 confirmed last Sunday. Dr Sophia Makki, director of events at UKHSA, urged people attending Pride events on Saturday to check for blister-like spots and rashes. “If you have a rash or blisters, stay home, call a sexual health clinic and get tested,” she said. “Please be alert for any symptoms of monkeypox in the coming weeks, especially if you have sex with someone new. To help trace our contacts, we encourage everyone to ensure they exchange contact details with sexual partners.”
