According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 32,000 cases of monkeypox virus infection have been reported worldwide. On August 9, local time, at a regular press conference held by the United Nations Office at Geneva, Margaret Harris, a spokeswoman for the World Health Organization (WHO), pointed out that the monkeypox virus is now spreading from person to person, and people should pay attention to how to take protective measures to protect them from infection, rather than attacking any animals during this period.
At least 7 monkeys in Brazil have reportedly died of poisoning or injuries since last week. Police said it was probably the locals who attacked the monkeys out of "false fear" of monkeypox. WHO stresses that monkeypox is mainly transmitted not by monkeys but by rodents. In June, WHO also proposed to consider renaming Monkeypox, arguing that the name is both inaccurate and prone to stigmatization.
↑ Brazil's black-tailed marmoset infographic
Brazil At least 10 monkeys were poisoned or attacked
At least 10 marmosets and capuchin monkeys have reportedly been found to have been poisoned or stone-attacked since last Wednesday in a municipality in the Brazilian state of São Paulo. Seven of them are said to have died, and other injured monkeys are under health surveillance. Police said it was probably local residents who attacked the monkeys out of fear of monkeypox.
Allegedly, human-made attacks on monkeys in the state of São Paulo are not unique, and similar incidents have occurred throughout Brazil. Brazilian police are investigating these cases and intensifying patrols in the forest. At the same time, further testing of poisoned monkeys is also underway.
Brazil has now recorded more than 2131 cases of monkeypox virus infection. Brazilian officials believe the recent outbreak of monkeypox in the country may be driving "anti-monkey" sentiment and behavior among the population. Animal protection groups warn that the attacks pose a huge threat to Brazil's endangered wildlife.
Brazilian virologist Mauricio La Serda told local media that monkeys in Brazil do not pose a threat to people. "Judging from the infections in Brazil, Europe and the United States, the virus is mainly transmitted from person to person, and there is no evidence that Brazilian monkeys have spread the virus, there is no need to panic about it," he said. ”
WHO: The source of monkeypox transmission is still unknown
On August 9, local time, at a regular press conference held by the United Nations Office at Geneva, World Health Organization spokeswoman Margaret Harris stressed that the monkeypox virus is now spreading from person to person. "Attention should be paid to this and what humans can do to protect themselves from infection and transmission." Harris said, "Of course you shouldn't attack any animals. ”
WHO also cautioned that although the virus is named "monkeypox", monkeys should not be blamed for its spread. The virus was named "monkeypox" because it was first discovered in 1958 in a group of monkeys at a zoo in Denmark. In addition, the virus has appeared in a variety of animals, the source of transmission is still unclear, and transmission through rodents is "more common" than in monkeys.
↑ Brazilian suspected poisoned capuchin monkey
Scientists say the term "monkeypox" does not conform to WHO guidelines for the naming of infectious diseases, which circumvent the concept of geography and animal names. The WHO said in June that after scientists recently criticized the name "monkeypox" as "discriminatory and stigmatizing," it was currently considering renaming "monkeypox" to reduce unnecessary negative impacts on countries, regions, human populations, etc.
Red Star News reporter Ding Wen
Responsible editor Ren Zhijiang Editor Yu Mange
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