Iran confirms first case of monkeypox
17 Aug 2022 10:20am
Monkeypox has so far affected nearly 16,000 people in at least 72 countries. - 123RF Photo
The infected person has been identified as a 34-year-old woman, who was immediately put under quarantine, reported Anadolu Agency.
Ministry spokesman Pedram Pakaein said the infected person was identified with the cooperation of her family by observing her skin lesions.
He said those who have been administered smallpox vaccine are immune to the disease.
A local media outlet quoted Deputy Health Minister Kamal Haideri as saying that the patient had contracted the infection from her husband while travelling to Canada.
The official said thermal cameras have been put up at airports across the country to identify suspicious cases, especially those travelling from abroad.
He said that vaccines for the disease have so far not been imported, and will be produced domestically if the need arises.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) in July declared the spread of monkeypox globally as an international emergency while the United States also declared its national emergency following the rapid spread of the disease earlier this month.
Monkeypox has so far affected nearly 16,000 people in at least 72 countries, according to reports, but the Middle East region remains least affected. - BERNAMA
