Monkeypox detected in Israel, Lebanon denies rumors of cases
Most Middle Eastern states are reporting no cases of the virus.
Some countries around the world are reporting new cases of monkeypox, but the Middle East appears to be mostly uninfected so far.
What is monkeypox? Monkeypox is a virus that causes the disease of the same name. It primarily spreads in tropical parts of Central and West Africa, though there have been cases in the United Kingdom, Singapore and other places in recent years. Humans can get infected through close contact with other infected humans or animals, or via contaminated material. Symptoms include fever, rash and swelling. The death rate from the disease is 3-6%, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). However, some countries where monkeypox has historically been prevalent lack adequate health care.
Smallpox vaccines protect against monkeypox and there are effective treatments for the disease, according to WHO.
In May, monkeypox cases were reported in various parts of the world, including Europe, the United States and Australia.
