Armenia reports no cases of mpox, risk of spread considered low

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YEREVAN, August 16. /ARKA/. Armenia has not reported any cases of mpox, and the risk of the disease entering and spreading in the country is considered low, the country’s Ministry of Health reported on Friday./pp

On August 14, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency of international concern for the second time in two years, prompted by the rising number of cases in Congo and several African countries./pp

Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is a viral disease primarily found in certain Central and West African countries. The virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected animal or by handling its meat or skin. It can enter the human body through broken skin, respiratory pathways, or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or via sexual transmission)./pp

The incubation period lasts between 5 to 21 days. Symptoms include fever, severe headaches, swollen lymph nodes, back pain, muscle aches, and significant fatigue. One to three days after the onset of fever, a rash develops, starting on the face and spreading to other parts of the body./pp

The disease is generally mild, with most patients recovering within a few weeks, but it can lead to complications and even death in some cases (with a mortality rate of 0-11%)./pp

Research has shown that the smallpox vaccine is 85% effective against mpox. Currently, two vaccines approved by WHO are used to combat the disease./pp

As preventive measures, the Ministry of Health advises the public to stay informed, maintain hand hygiene, avoid contact with individuals with rashes, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms develop, especially after travel to Africa or contact with someone who has recently returned from there./p br br