Global health officials are deeply concerned about the rising cases of monkeypox（猴痘）around the world. As of July, more than 19,000 confirmed cases of monkeypox have been reported from 76 territories globally, said the United Nation agency. The World Health Organization (WHO 世界衛生組織) has declared the outbreak of monkeypox a global health emergency.
About a dozen of recent infections are in Asia and the Pacific. Japan, for example, announced the first detected case in July. Countries across Asia are now on high alert（戒備）for the disease.
There has not been any reported case of monkeypox in Hong Kong so far. WHO has reminded governments around the world to be well-prepared. In response to this, Hong Kong health officials said that they will closely monitor the spread of the disease.
What is monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Despite being known as “monkeypox”, the source of the disease remains unknown. According to scientists, African rodents （嚙齒動物，如老鼠） and monkeys might harbour the virus （帶菌）and infect people. The disease was first discovered in 1958 in monkeys kept for research. The first human case was recorded in 1970. Prior to the 2022 outbreak, it is a type of viral infection more common to west and central Africa.
The virus is transmitted from one person to another by close contact with lesions（傷口）, body fluids（體液）,respiratory droplets and contaminated（受污染的）materials such as bedding. It is also possible for people to get monkeypox from infected animals, either by being scratched or bitten by the animal or by preparing or eating meat from an infected animal.
What are the symptoms?
Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder. These symptoms include headache, fever, swollen lymph nodes（淋巴結）, muscle ache, and a lack of energy, according to WHO. A bumpy rash can also be present. It can develop all over the body, including face, feet, hands, and inside the mouth.
The good news is that the disease is not particularly deadly. It has a fatality rate（死亡率）of only around one per cent. No associated deaths have been reported to date. Most people recover in two to four weeks. However, an infection could prove fatal（致命的） in children under the age of 8 and individuals with weak immune systems and those who are pregnant.
How do you protect yourself?
As monkeypox can spread through skin-to-skin contact, it is advised that people should exercise caution in social interaction situations. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, there are several prevention steps for people to observe:
- Avoid close skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox.
- Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid contact with animals that can spread monkeypox virus, usually rodents and primates (靈長類動物，如猴子). Also, avoid sick or dead animals.
