Abu Dhabi, Dubai step up surveillance over monkeypox

Shutterstock

Health authorities in Abu Dhabi and Dubai have urged medical facilities to remain vigilant over the Monkeypox disease, which has been reported in several countries.

The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi has called on all healthcare providers operating in the emirate to closely monitor any suspected or confirmed cases.

They are required to report any suspected, probable or confirmed case in the Infectious Disease Notification System.

Meanwhile, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has issued a circular to healthcare facilities operating under its jurisdiction to enhance surveillance and ensure cases are immediately reported.

The DHA said it is raising the level of epidemiological surveillance of Monkeypox cases to ensure effective and optimal application of prevention and control measures for potential sources of the infection.

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease caused by a virus belonging to the Orthopoxviral genus in the Poxviridae family and transmitted from infected animals to humans.

The first human monkeypox infection case was discovered in Africa in 1970.

Animal-to-human Monkeypox virus transmission occurs from direct contact with blood and bodily fluids.

The Human-to-human transmission is limited and can result from close contact via respiratory particles droplets that require prolonged face-to-face contact, in addition to transmission possibility upon contact with surfaces contaminated with patient fluids.

Typically, the disease begins with general symptoms characterised by fever, myalgia (muscle aches), intense headache, lymphadenopathy (swelling of the lymph nodes), followed by skin eruption that concentrates on the face and then spreads to other body parts.

The incubation period of monkeypox is usually from 6 to 16 days and symptoms last from 14 to 21 days.

More from Local

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • The Business Breakfast

    6:00am - 10:00am

    The Business Breakfast is the day’s must listen for the UAE’s business leaders, and those who aspire to be.

  • The Agenda

    10:00am - 1:00pm

    Broadcasting every weekday, Georgia Tolley goes beyond the headlines to speak to government ministers, decision makers, analysts and local experts to find out how the news will impact those of us living in the UAE.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Flying Taxis

    It sounds like an episode of The Jetsons, but the sight of flying taxis whizzing around our cities could be much closer than you think.

  • Tough penalties for deliberate tax evasion

    The UAE has said that tougher penalties will come into force from 1st August for not keeping proper corporate tax records.