First mpox case detected! Measures have been taken

The first case of mpox has been detected in Kosovo. The National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo announced that the mpox virus was detected in a 30-year-old Kosovo citizen who had recently returned from Africa.

In a statement issued by the institution, it was stated, “A 30-year-old male Kosovo citizen was admitted to the infectious diseases clinic on December 24 after returning from a country in West Africa. The patient was admitted with complaints of high fever, chills, lesions on the face and hands, and itching.”

HEALTH CONDITION IS STABLE

The statement, which noted that the patient's health condition is stable, announced that authorities are tracking the patient's family members and all individuals with whom they have been in contact and have taken necessary measures. The statement, which noted that patients usually experience mild or moderate symptoms lasting two to four weeks, added, “Although the disease has been detected, there is no situation that should cause panic.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced at the end of last month that the mpox outbreak continues to constitute an international public health emergency.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control announced last August that more imported mpox cases were likely to be seen in Europe, but that the persistent threat in Europe was low. According to the center's data, four cases were reported in Germany on December 15, and the first mpox case was recorded in Belgium on December 18.