MOSCOW, November 1. /TASS/. Russia’s sanitary watchdog said on Tuesday it is taking all necessary measures to reverse monkeypox import risks and there is no need for extra measures.
"Following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) statement extending the global health emergency status for the monkeypox outbreak, Rospotrebnadzor (Federal Oversight Service in the Sphere of the Protection of Consumer Rights and Human Welfare - TASS) informs that it is taking all necessary measures to reverse the risks of monkeypox importing and prevent its possible proliferation. There is no need in any additional anti-epidemic measures in Russia," it said.
According to the press service, only two imported monkeypox cases have been registered in Russia since the beginning of the current outbreak. Both patients have recovered and were discharged from hospitals. Thanks to the timely isolation of the patients and other sanitary measures, further contacts were prevented.
"When first monkeypox cases were reported from European countries, sanitary control at the Russian borders was enhanced. Today, monkeypox tests are available throughout Russia. Recommendations on the procedure of diagnosing this disease have been issued to medical establishments," the watchdog said, adding that it is offering assistance to friendly countries which are interested in cooperation. Russia also supplies Russian-made testing systems.
Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal (rodents, primate) or with material contaminated with the virus. The incubation period is around ten days and the symptoms typically last from two to four weeks. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the case fatality ratio ranges from one to ten percent, with the majority of deaths occurring in younger age groups.