UAE fully prepared to deal with monkeypox

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has stressed that the UAE’s healthcare system is well-prepared to handle the spread of monkeypox, and it is proactively investigating and closely monitoring any suspected cases.

The authority said it is currently studying and evaluating the seriousness of the disease locally, and has issued a circular to all medical facilities and professionals in the country requesting them to report any suspected case to competent health authorities.

"We have put in place precise mechanisms for diagnosing suspected patients. The technical advisory team for pandemic control has also prepared a comprehensive guide for surveillance, early detection of the disease, management of clinically infected patients and precautionary measures," the ministry explained.

This is in response to reports of the outbreak of monkeypox in a number of countries around the world.

The ministry has called on the public not to circulate or be misled by rumours and to rely on information from official sources only.

Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease that occurs primarily in tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africa and is occasionally exported to other regions.

The disease is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with material contaminated with the virus.

Though rare and usually mild, monkeypox can still potentially cause severe illness.

Before the recent outbreak, the disease used to be limited to a small and medium group of people, which highlights the fact that it has a low human-to-human transmission possibility.

The incubation period of monkeypox is usually from 7 to 14 days but can extend to 21 days.

Monkeypox typically presents clinically with fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes and may lead to a range of medical complications.