WHO report: Monkeypox infection can harm a foetus, neonates, and the mother

• The effects of monkeypox infection during pregnancy are unknown
• But, little evidence suggests that infection may have negative consequences for the foetus or newborn infant.
• It may also effect the mother.

While the effects of monkeypox infection during pregnancy are unknown, little evidence suggests that infection may have negative consequences for the foetus or newborn infant, as well as the mother, according to the World Health Organization’s newest study (WHO).

According to the World Health Organization, the current danger to the general public is low. Health workers are at risk if they come into contact with a case while without wearing the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent transmission; while the risk of health-care-associated infections has not been observed in this epidemic, it has been documented in the past.

Read more: Monkeypox is no longer classified as an endemic disease by the WHO

“Should monkeypox spread more widely to and among more vulnerable groups, there is the potential for greater health impact,” the report continued, “because the risk of severe disease and mortality is recognized to be higher in immunocompromised individuals, including persons with poorly controlled HIV infection.”

However, according to WHO, all individuals found in newly impacted countries whose samples were confirmed by PCR have been identified as West African clade infected.

Read more: WHO to assess if monkeypox an international health emergency

It’s worth noting that there are two known clades of monkeypox virus, one of which was first discovered in West Africa (WA) and the other in the Congo Basin (CB).

Monkeypox cases have been observed in numerous places of the world, and the WA clade has previously been linked to a reduced overall case fatality ratio (CFR). To present, all cases found in newly impacted countries have been identified as West African clade infections.

Read more: Monkeypox Outbreak “Epicentre Of Escalating” in Europe