(TAP)- “Tunisia is still safe from monkeypox though the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared global health emergency over its outbreak,” said Professor of Virology at the University of Monastir Mahjoub El Ouni. Most of the 17,000 cases reported around the world are concentrated in Europe and the US.

The virus does not spread easily and there is no reason to panic. The disease is being closely monitored in Tunisia and worldwide, the professor said.

Ouni also urged citizens to stay vigilant and stressed the need to increase control and awareness raising and comply with preventive measures so as to prevent the spread of the disease in Tunisia.

According to the United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe (UNRIC), the monkeypox is transmitted to humans through contact with a person or an animal carrying the virus. Rashes, body fluids and scabs are particularly infectious. Rodents and primates are among the animals which carry the virus.

Patients often get fever, muscle cramps and fatigue; a widespread rash follows. Monkeypox is diagnosed by a PCR test. Complications occur in 1 to 10 % of cases.

Patients often recover spontaneously in 14 to 21 days. The disease can be mild yet its infectious lesions could cause pain and itching.

Source: TAP News Agency