Two monkeypox cases recorded in St. Petersburg

ST. PETERSBURG. Jan 22 (Interfax) - Two monkeypox cases have been identified in St. Petersburg, where two male patients who recently visited China as tourists have been hospitalized with no risk of spreading the disease, the Russian consumer health watchdog Rospotrebnadzor's regional branch said.

"The Rospotrebnadzor department for St. Petersburg states that two monkeypox cases have been identified in tourists who earlier arrived from China. The two men diagnosed with the disease previously returned from a vacation in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (People's Republic of China)," the regional Rospotrebnadzor department said.

The two have been hospitalized in a condition that is not live threatening, it said. Their circle of contacts has been determined. These contacts are currently under medical observation, it said.

"The possibility of the disease spreading further has been prevented," it said.

A set of anti-epidemic measures are being taken. In addition, measures of enhanced sanitary and quarantine control remain in place at Russian borders. The possibility of prompt laboratory diagnostics is ensured for all cases of monkeypox, it said.

"In view of the tourist season, the risk of importing monkeypox exists," it said.

Monkeypox is a rare viral 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.