Egypt’s health ministry detects 1st positive infection of Monkeypox virus

CAIRO – 7 September 2022: Egypt’s ministry of health announced, Monday recording first positive infection of Monkeypox virus for an Egyption citizen. Patient was isolated in the hospital according to the ministry.

The ministry stated that the patient is 42 years old, and he is a holder of residency in one of the European countries.

The patient’s health condition was announced to be stable, as all health and precautionary measures have been taken with his contacts in accordance with the treatment and follow-up protocols approved by the World Health Organization.

Last August, head of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom said that Monkeypox infections continue to rise globally, with more than 35,000 cases across 92 countries and territories, and 12 deaths.

The majority of cases are being reported from Europe and the Americas, according to the United Nations News Center.

“The primary focus for all countries must be to ensure they are ready for monkeypox, and to stop transmission using effective public health tools, including enhanced disease surveillance, careful contact tracing, tailored risk communication and community engagement, and risk reduction measures,” said Tedros.

Currently, global supplies of Monkeypox vaccines are limited, as is data about their effectiveness. WHO is in contact with manufacturers, and with countries and organizations willing to share vaccine doses. 

“We remain concerned that the inequitable access to vaccines we saw during the COVID-19 pandemic will be repeated, and that the poorest will continue to be left behind,” said Tedros