The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) confirmed that the State of Qatar is free of any cases of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) virus, thanks to an integrated and effective set of public health measures, including intensive monitoring for early detection of cases.
The Ministry explained that the health sector is following these precautionary measures continuously, and in light of the development of the situation and the World Health Organization’s declaration of a public health emergency regarding the outbreak of mpox, precautionary measures have been tightened in the country.
The Ministry of Public Health reiterated the full readiness of the healthcare sector and its cadres in both the public and private sectors to deal with any suspected or confirmed cases of this virus and the competent health authorities are continuously monitoring any possible developments in this regard and taking the necessary precautionary measures in this regard. The Ministry of Public Health is also working with the competent authorities to ensure early detection of cases coming to the State of Qatar from affected countries.
The ministry explained that it is unlikely that members of the community will be exposed to the mpox virus unless they have recently travelled to the endemic countries in some African countries or have had close contact with a person infected with mpox.
The Ministry of Public Health will continue to monitor the global and regional epidemiological situation and take all necessary precautionary measures.
These enhanced public health measures come after the World Health Organization declared mpox a public health emergency due to the rapid escalation of cases of the disease in mpox-affected geographic areas of East and Central Africa.
It is worth noting that mpox virus was first discovered in 1958 and the first human case was reported in Africa in 1970.
Mpox is a viral disease that occurs primarily in tropical rainforest areas of central and western Africa, but occasionally spreads to other areas. It is transmitted through close contact with an infected person, an infected animal, or material contaminated with the virus, and causes fever, rash, flu-like symptoms, and skin lesions. Most cases are mild, but it can be severe in children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
وزارة الصحة العامة تؤكد اتخاذ التدابير اللازمة والمراقبة المكثفة للكشف المبكر عن حالات جدري القردة
| اقرأ المزيد:https://t.co/e0vlcUyus9The Ministry of Public Health Confirms Heightened Surveillance and Necessary Measures are in Place for Early Detection of Mpox Cases
|… pic.twitter.com/P8SQiXm99g— وزارة الصحة العامة (@MOPHQatar) August 15, 2024
Source: MOPH
Photo for representation only
Check out Marhaba’s FREE e-Guides for everything you need to know about Qatar.