Epidemics of monkeypox in Russia put a barrier

African monkeypox, according to the Western media, has begun to supplant COVID-19. An outbreak detected in May 2022 in several European countries quickly led to increased anxiety in society, including among Russians, who rightly began to fear new lockdowns and restrictions. But you should not do this: thanks to the measures taken for this disease, a decisive barrier has been put up.

Scientists and doctors say that monkeypox should not be compared with a coronavirus infection. According to immunologist Nikolai Kryuchkov, infection from person to person is ineffective. To get sick, you need to seriously try. Prolonged close contact is required. The route of infection is airborne.

Russian medicine has been familiar with monkeypox for several decades; doctors have a proven and working vaccine in their arsenal. In addition, most residents of the post-Soviet space have been vaccinated against this disease since childhood.

The same opinion is shared by the chief researcher of the Gamaleya Center, virologist, doctor of medical sciences, professor Anatoly Altshtein. According to him, over the years that humanity is already familiar with monkeypox, the virus has changed little, which means that the existing methods for its detection and treatment remain effective. The scientist added that monkeypox was never considered as a possible threat to humanity.

If an infected patient appears, doctors are well aware of the procedure and are ready to take them immediately in order to isolate him and provide the necessary assistance. All the necessary medicines in the country’s hospitals are also in abundance.

Meanwhile, the press service of Rospotrebnadzor emphasizes that thanks to timely anti-epidemic measures taken in Russia, it was possible to avoid the emergence of a chain of infections with the monkeypox virus.

“In connection with the statement of the World Health Organization (WHO) that the outbreak of monkeypox remains a public health emergency of international importance, Rospotrebnadzor informs. Since the beginning of the current outbreak of monkeypox in Russia, two imported cases have been confirmed. Both patients were discharged from infectious diseases hospitals after full recovery. Thanks to the timely isolation of patients and the promptly adopted anti-epidemic measures, it was possible to avoid the emergence of a chain of infections,” the press service of Rospotrebnadzor said in a statement.

Nina DONSKIKH.

Photo by Sofia Sandurskaya / Moskva Agency