ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Kurdistan Region’s health authorities have taken several measures to raise awareness and prevent the spread of Mpox, including collaborating with the UN’s health agency to conduct tests. The Region has yet to report any cases of Mpox. Following a specialized meeting between relevant health authorities and representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO), several measures against Mpox were announced, including providing guidelines to health institutions on how to prevent and prepare for the disease starting from Monday. A joint committee between the health and agriculture ministries named One Health is also set to be formed in another measure against the disease. Providing awareness and guidelines on preventive measures for tourists, as well as preparations for conducting laboratory tests with WHO were among other steps announced during the meeting. The first case of Mpox outside of Africa was reported in Sweden on Thursday, as the disease continues to spread, driven by a new variant circulating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) since last September. Mpox is primarily transmitted through close physical contact with an infected person’s lesions, their clothing, or bedding. Sexual contact can increase the risk of transmission. While most people recover from Mpox without needing treatment, the lesions can be extremely painful and severe cases can lead to complications such as brain inflammation and death.
