Spain has now reported its second death caused by monkeypox, a rapidly spreading virus that has had a resurgence in 2022. These deaths are believed to be the first fatalities caused by the new outbreak of monkeypox in Europe after the disease spread from West Africa.
Discovered in 1958, monkeypox is an infectious disease transferred to humans by African rodents and non-human primates like monkeys. The first human case of monkeypox was recorded in 1970, when several people in western African countries caught the disease.
Now, 50 years later, the disease has come back with the ability to spread faster. Scientists believe that sometime around 2018, the virus became better at infecting humans after silently circulating for years. This stronger version of monkeypox has caused more than 22,000 cases worldwide since May.
Because there is no known cure, people must use a vaccine that is only around 85% effective. But the vaccine is hard to obtain, due to limited availability. With news of the virus spreading outside of Africa, many wealthy countries are buying the vaccine, putting Africa in danger of being “forgotten” during vaccine distribution.
Spain’s health ministry claims that 4,298 people have caught the virus and that around 120 people have needed to go to the hospital for medical care.
Now, the World Health Organization has declared monkeypox a global health emergency.
Discovered in 1958, monkeypox is an infectious disease transferred to humans by African rodents and non-human primates like monkeys. The first human case of monkeypox was recorded in 1970, when several people in western African countries caught the disease.
Now, 50 years later, the disease has come back with the ability to spread faster. Scientists believe that sometime around 2018, the virus became better at infecting humans after silently circulating for years. This stronger version of monkeypox has caused more than 22,000 cases worldwide since May.
Because there is no known cure, people must use a vaccine that is only around 85% effective. But the vaccine is hard to obtain, due to limited availability. With news of the virus spreading outside of Africa, many wealthy countries are buying the vaccine, putting Africa in danger of being “forgotten” during vaccine distribution.
Spain’s health ministry claims that 4,298 people have caught the virus and that around 120 people have needed to go to the hospital for medical care.
Now, the World Health Organization has declared monkeypox a global health emergency.
