Currently, at least 16 countries in Africa are affected by monkeypox; Compared to the same period in 2023, there has been a 160% increase in reported monkeypox cases in Africa this year. Countries must take strong action to contain the current monkeypox outbreak spreading in Africa.

Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease. The initial symptoms of monkeypox infection in humans include fever, headache, muscle soreness, back pain, and swollen lymph nodes, which can later develop into a widespread rash on the face and body. Most infected individuals will recover within a few weeks, but there are also cases of severe illness or even death. After the first human case of monkeypox virus was discovered in Congo in 1970, the virus mainly spread in West and Central Africa.

This issue's hot event tracking will sort out this public health event.

The European Union will donate over 210000 doses of vaccines to address the monkeypox outbreak in Africa

On August 14th, the European Union announced that it will donate over 210000 doses of vaccines to the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to address the ongoing monkeypox outbreak in the region. It is reported that the vaccines donated by the European Union are MVA-BN smallpox vaccines produced by Danish pharmaceutical company Bavarian Nordic Company, with a total of 215420 doses, of which 175420 doses are purchased by the European Union and the remaining 40000 doses are donated by Bavarian Nordic Company.

Sweden discovers first monkeypox case outside of African continent

On August 15th, the World Health Organization and Sweden announced the discovery of the first case of type I monkeypox outside of the African continent. This is the first sign of the virus spreading outside of the African continent. Lawrence Gostin, a public health expert and professor at Georgetown University Law School in Washington, said that the cases in Sweden are likely to mean dozens of undiscovered cases in Europe.

After Sweden, Pakistan discovered monkeypox virus

On August 16th, the Pakistani health department reported the discovery of three monkeypox virus infected individuals in Pakistan. These patients arrived from the United Arab Emirates and were confirmed to be infected with monkeypox virus. Currently, all three patients have been isolated.

Previously, the World Health Organization and Sweden announced the discovery of the first type I monkeypox case outside of the African continent. This is the first sign of the virus spreading outside of the African continent, and the World Health Organization has declared the monkeypox outbreak a "public health emergency of international concern".

Philippines reports first monkeypox case of the year

On August 19th, the Philippine Department of Health reported that a 33 year old Filipino man was diagnosed with monkeypox infection. This man has not been abroad recently. He started to have a fever over a week ago and developed rashes on multiple parts of his body four days later.

This is the tenth confirmed case of monkeypox in the Philippines since the first case appeared in July 2022. The last confirmed case of monkeypox in the Philippines was in December last year, and all previously diagnosed patients have recovered.

Indonesia tightens epidemic prevention and control measures

On August 19, the head of the Indonesian Ministry of Health announced that the epidemic prevention control for foreigners entering the country would be tightened to prevent the spread of monkeypox virus. The country would issue declaration forms to foreign citizens entering the country, and the entry personnel must declare the disease history, activities and final travel locations.

Recently, the World Health Organization launched a global strategic prevention and response plan for monkeypox outbreaks, aimed at containing the spread of the disease through coordinated efforts at the global, regional, and national levels. It is reported that this plan will last from September this year to February next year, with a budget of 135 million US dollars.

This plan aims to implement a comprehensive monitoring, prevention, and response strategy for the monkeypox epidemic, promote research and equitable access to diagnostic testing tools, vaccines, and other medical supplies, minimize animal to human transmission, and enhance the community's ability to actively participate in epidemic prevention and control. The plan will also promote vaccination for high-risk populations such as close contacts of monkeypox cases and healthcare workers, ensuring that high-risk groups in affected countries can access medical response measures.