As of 21 May, 92 laboratory confirmed cases, and 28 suspected cases of monkeypox with investigations ongoing, have been reported to WHO from 12 Member States that are not endemic for monkeypox virus, across three WHO regions. Surveillance to date in non-endemic areas has been limited, but is now expanding, according to the World Health Organization.

So far, Belgium has introduced a mandatory 21-day quarantine for monkeypox patients. The U.K. has also urged close contacts of monkeypox patients to self-isolate to stem a recent mysterious outbreak of the disease.

Ustar now launches Monkeypox Virus Assay (for research use) intended for use with EasyNAT® System and MultNAT® System for the rapid detection of monkeypox virus infection.

In the assay, a bio-safe cartridge is provided. It integrates sample collection and processing in one step, which means a sealed testing environment and no extra sample processing and transferring process, greatly reducing the possibility of cross-contamination and saving time. The reagent used for amplification are vitrified and pre-loaded in the cartridge, enabling ambient transportation of the assay.

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus, with symptoms very similar to those seen in the past in smallpox patients, including rashes, fever, headaches, muscle ache, swelling and backpain. The first human case was identified in a child in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1970. Monkeypox virus is transmitted from one person to another by close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding. The incubation period of monkeypox is usually from 6 to 13 days but can range from 5 to 21 days. 

Image sources: Internet, Ustar

References:

1. World Health Organization. Multi-country monkeypox outbreak in non-endemic countries. Available at https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2022-DON385.

2. CNBC. Belgium becomes first country to introduce mandatory monkeypox quarantine as global cases rise. Available at https://www.cnbc.com/2022/05/23/belgium-introduces-mandatory-monkeypox-quarantine-as-global-cases-rise.html.