First monkeypox death confirmed in Europe as cases continue to rise across the world
EUROPE’S first monkeypox fatality has been confirmed tonight.
A patient has died of the highly-infectious virus in Spain.
Health chiefs confirmed the tragedy today it revealed 4,298 cases have so far been reported in Spain.
No further details are known about the person who died.
The vast majority of those diagnosed with the disease in the country have been men. Just 64 female patients have been treated.
Spain has been particularly badly-hit by the disease.
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The earliest cases, recorded in May, were linked to a gay sauna in Madrid and a Pride festival in Gran Canaria.
Last week, the World Health Organisation declared monkeypox a global health emergency.
That means it now views the current outbreak as enough of a significant threat that a coordinated international response is needed.
The WHO announcement came after the virus spread to more than 75 countries.
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The organisation’s Director General Dr Tedros Adhanmon Ghebreyesus said the risk of people catching the virus in Europe was “high”.
Traditionally, people with monkeypox have developed a fever, swollen lymph nodes, headaches and muscle aches.
These symptoms are followed by a rash that starts on their face or mouth and then spreads to other parts of their body – particularly the hands and feet.
However, in some recent cases, patients first experienced a rash in the mouth or around the genitals or anus.
Cases are rising in the UK, with 2,469 confirmed infections up to July 28.
Medics have also recorded 77 “highly probable” infections, bringing the total to 2,546.
London is still being hit hard by the outbreak and has 1,778 of the infections – up from 1,699 earlier this week.
Worldwide, more than 19,000 cases have been confirmed.
The majority of cases, about 98 percent, have been among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, the WHO said.
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However, medics recently delivered the baby of a mum suffering with the virus. There were no complications.
Ghebreyesus has urged people to temporarily cut the number of sexual contacts they have.