Kuwait is free from monkeypox

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the US revealed that observed cases of monkeypox in Gulf countries have reached thirty four.

• Monkeypox spreads through physical and sexual contact, with no current treatment or vaccine. The new mutation is considered the most dangerous yet.

• Monkeypox is a viral disease with two subtypes, causing a rash, blisters, and mucous lesions, and is accompanied by fever, headache, muscle pain, weakness, and enlargement of the lymph nodes.

Dr. Ghanem Al-Hujailan, the infectious diseases consultant at the Ministry of Health, confirmed that Kuwait is free of monkeypox. He noted that the disease is transmitted through physical and sexual contact with an infected person, and currently, there is no treatment or vaccine available.

Al-Hajilan told Al-Jarida newspaper that statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States revealed that observed cases of this disease in Gulf countries have reached thirty four.

He added that what raises concern is that about ninety five percent of these infections were detected outside the regions and countries where the disease is primarily spreading. He explained that it is currently spreading in most countries worldwide, from China through Europe, the United States, Canada, Brazil, and other nations.

Monitoring the outbreak

The Ministry of Health reported that it is closely monitoring the outbreak’s developments following the announcement that it has become a “global health emergency” and the emergence of a new strain of the disease.

In a press statement, the ministry confirmed that it is constantly coordinating with international partners at the Gulf Center for Disease Prevention, as well as with the World Health Organization (WHO), to monitor the situation and ensure preparedness in line with epidemiological developments.

Additionally, the Kuwait Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) is working closely with all relevant authorities to enhance national efforts to prevent and respond to infectious diseases.

The ministry explained that monkeypox is a viral disease with two subtypes, causing a rash, blisters, and mucous lesions, and is accompanied by fever, headache, muscle pain, weakness, and enlargement of the lymph nodes.

The ministry confirmed that it will remain in constant contact and provide updates in case of any developments in the epidemiological situation.

The ministry urged caution during travel, wishing everyone good health and safety. The World Health Organization (WHO) announced a global public health emergency on Friday for the second time in two years, following the outbreak of the viral epidemic from the Democratic Republic of Congo to neighboring countries.

The current monkeypox outbreak is more concerning this time than the previous one because it involves a new mutation, which experts say is the most dangerous mutation yet.

Monkeypox: How it spreads and how to stay protected

The Ministry of Health announced that the disease can be transmitted through physical contact with an infected person, particularly through sexual contact, kissing, or even touching. It can also be transmitted through respiratory secretions.

The ministry added that the diagnosis and detection of the disease are confirmed through the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, and the disease is treated with supportive care and symptom management, or in some cases, with antiviral medications.

The ministry emphasized that the disease can be prevented by maintaining regular hand hygiene using water, soap, or alcohol-based disinfectants, avoiding risky sexual behavior, and avoiding direct physical contact with individuals showing symptoms of the disease. It also recommended exercising caution when traveling to countries where cases of the disease have been reported.