Five people are under medical observation after a report of a possible monkeypox case in St. Petersburg and Leningrad Oblast. Rospotrebnadzor is clarifying the circumstances and searching for people who had contact with the suspected patient. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
According to the interregional department of Rospotrebnadzor, specialists have launched an epidemiological investigation. A disinfection order has also been issued.
"During the epidemiological investigation, work is underway to identify contacts. Five people have been hospitalized and are under medical observation. An order for disinfection has been issued," the statement said.
The department did not specify whether the hospitalized individuals have symptoms or how they are feeling. Rospotrebnadzor test systems are being used to detect the virus.
Earlier, Kursiv reported that on October 15, five people were prophylactically hospitalized in Moscow Oblast. They had contact with a person suspected of having monkeypox.
Monkeypox is a viral disease typically characterized by fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. The World Health Organization has previously declared it a public health emergency of international concern.
Russia has recorded isolated cases of monkeypox before. However, authorities have stated that the risk of spread is low. Currently, the situation in St. Petersburg and Leningrad Oblast is under control.
Rospotrebnadzor may provide additional information based on the results of the epidemiological investigation. Until the circle of contacts is established, enhanced sanitary and epidemiological measures are being carried out in these regions.