Lebanon records the first case of monkeypox

BEIRUT, Jun.20, (ST)- Lebanon’s Health Ministry declared on Monday that authorities have detected the country’s first case of monkeypox in a person who returned from abroad and is now isolated at home.

The ministry said the person is stable and that authorities are tracking the person’s contacts. It did not provide further details.

The virus originates in primates and other wild animals and causes fever, body aches, chills, and fatigue in most patients. People with severe cases can develop a rash and lesions on the face, hands, and other parts of the body.

The smallpox-related disease, which first causes flu-like symptoms before progressing to a rash on the face and body, is commonly found in parts of central and west Africa. But this year, 1,880 infections have been reported in more than 30 countries where monkeypox isn’t typically found.

Some 85 percent of the cases were in Europe. No deaths have been reported.

The World Health Organization has said people with monkeypox could be infectious for up to four weeks and advised them to isolate until they have completely recovered.

Source: Agencies