The World Health Organization says it is concerned about the spread of the disease among children

The increasing prevalence of smallpox in monkeys raises concern that the virus could spread among a group particularly vulnerable to transmission of the infectious children.

Monkeypox: Scientists have identified two new symptoms of the current outbreak:

First death in Europe: Spain confirms first monkeypox death in Europe, second outside Africa.

Experts at the World Health Organization said this week that they are monitoring the possibility of the disease spreading among children “closely”. So far, more than 80 children in several countries have contracted smallpox, he told the agency at a press conference, largely through local contacts.

While this represents a small portion of the more than 18,000 smallpox cases worldwide – with the majority concentrated among men who have sex with men – the potential for community transmission raises the specter of the virus spreading to other populations. Like women and children. The rapid spread of the disease prompted WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom to declare the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.

“We’re likely to see an increased number of cases being transmitted in other social groups and settings,” said Jay Varma, MD, professor of population health sciences at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York. There is no independent social group. They all make a bridge to other networks.

Interview: “We’re seeing the tip of the iceberg,” says infectious disease specialist about first monkeypox death. Anyone can contract the virus, which is characterized by raised sores and sometimes swollen lymph nodes or other flu-like symptoms. Although its main mode of transmission has been sexual intercourse, it can also be spread through other forms of contact. Once someone is at home, it is especially easy for the virus to transmit the infection to others through sharing clothing or towels, touching wounds, or prolonged skin contact, such as a hug.

Children, who are constantly interacting in schools and day care centers, can be especially vulnerable. As it is, they catch dozens of viruses each year, including contagious rashes like hand disease, leading some to fear that if smallpox starts spreading in child-focused places, it may be difficult to contain.

“It is inevitable that some children will become infected and attend school while they are infected,” Varma said. “What we don’t know is how likely the children are to pass on to other children while they are in school, and if transmission does occur, will it be limited to a few cases or will it cause a large outbreak.

Health officials at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said last week that they are aware of two cases of children in the country. Another case has been identified of a pregnant woman who had recently given birth, said John Brooks, the CDC’s medical director for monkeypox patients.