No risk of monkeypox spreading in Russia - health watchdog
MOSCOW. Aug 15 (Interfax) - There are no risks that monkeypox may spread in Russia, and all necessary measures are being taken systemically in the country to timely detect the infection, the latest outbreak of which the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a global health emergency, the Russian public health and consumer protection watchdog Rospotrebnadzor said.
"The Russian Federation takes all necessary measures to detect the infection well in advance and on a systemic basis [...] The situation is being monitored all the time. There is no threat that this disease may spread in Russia," Rospotrebnadzor's press service told journalists when commenting on the WHO decision to declare the monkeypox outbreak a global health emergency.
Sanitary and quarantine control has been tightened at all crossing points on the Russian border, it said. Russia also has sufficient stocks of modern high-technology test systems developed by Rospotrebnadzor to promptly detect the virus.
Rospotrebnadzor also stands ready to offer scientific and technical support and assistance in training specialists to the outbreak-stricken countries and the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
During trips to foreign countries, "it is necessary to avoid contact with animals that could carry the virus, especially rodents and apes," it said. Personal hygiene rules must also be followed strictly. During contacts with people who have arrived from countries where monkeypox cases have been recorded and are feeling unwell, it is necessary to abide by basic disease prevention rules, which including wearing a face mask and keeping hands clean.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has declared the monkeypox outbreak a global health emergency.
Monkeypox is rare infectious disease. The infection produces a fever, intoxication, enlarged lymph nodes, and subsequently a widespread rash. In mild cases, the disease typically passes on its own and lasts 14 to 21 days.
Russia's first monkeypox case was recorded on July 12, 2022. The patient had recently returned from Portugal. The disease did not spread. Several other monkeypox cases were reported in Russia later.