The Ministry of Health said it is keeping the epidemiological situation on monkeypox under control. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.

Low risk of spread

Cases of monkeypox infection have begun to be registered in some countries. According to the ministry's official statement, given the registration of cases in individual countries around the world and the activity of international transport links, the possibility of the infection being imported into Kazakhstan cannot be ruled out. At the same time, taking into account the characteristics of transmission of the pathogen, the risk of widespread spread of monkeypox among the country's population is assessed as low.

Nevertheless, a set of anti-epidemic measures is being taken. They include:

  • 01sanitary-quarantine control at checkpoints across the state border has been strengthened;
  • 02monitoring is being carried out of the epidemiological situation in countries where cases have been registered and of citizens arriving from those states;
  • 03all checkpoints and sanitary-quarantine points are equipped with non-contact body temperature measuring devices;
  • 04the readiness of medical organizations and laboratories for timely detection and diagnosis of the infection is ensured;
  • 05algorithms for notification and interagency interaction in case of suspicion of a particularly dangerous infection have been approved and put into effect.

Currently, according to the results of sanitary-quarantine control carried out on all types of transport, no persons with particularly dangerous infections or suspected of them have been identified.

What are the symptoms

Monkeypox is a viral disease caused by the MPXV virus. The infection is transmitted most often through close contact with an infected person, including contact with skin rashes and biological fluids. It is also transmitted through contaminated clothing, bedding and other items. The infection can also spread from infected animals.

The main signs of the disease:

  • 01fever;
  • 02headache;
  • 03muscle pain;
  • 04enlarged lymph nodes;
  • 05skin rashes.

Preventive measures

The Ministry of Health reminds of the need to observe preventive measures to avoid infection:

  • 01avoid close physical contact with people who have skin rashes of unknown origin or other signs of an infectious disease;
  • 02observe personal hygiene rules;
  • 03do not share personal items, clothing and bedding of people suspected of infection;
  • 04if symptoms characteristic of the disease appear, especially after traveling to countries where cases have been registered, seek medical help promptly and inform the medical worker about trips and possible contacts.