Morocco’s health ministry says it has verified a case of mpox in a man residing in Marrakech.
This is the first such finding since the World Health Organization (WHO) last month designated the current outbreak as a public health emergency of worldwide significance. A reaction to a novel virus type, or clade, that was spreading quickly throughout central Africa. The man’s variant has not been disclosed by the Moroccan authorities.
The health ministry says he is receiving treatment and is in a stable condition.
Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a disease caused by infection with a virus, known as Monkeypox virus. This virus is part of the same family as the virus that causes smallpox. People with mpox often get a rash, along with other symptoms. The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing.
Mpox can be spread through close person contact with someone who is infected.
It can also be spread through touching objects which have been contaminated by the virus, such as bedding, clothing and towels.
World Health Organization Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus while declaring the outbreak as a public health emergency on 14 August, said a coordinated international response was needed to stop these outbreaks to save lives.
