Health officials around the world are on high alert due to the spread of two deadly viruses in communities.
In Australia, people were advised to be aware of the symptoms of mpox, which used to be called monkeypox.
The WHO also declared a global health emergency due to the outbreak of a new strain in Africa.
The variant known as Clade Ib is believed to have caused a more severe form of mpox than the one that triggered the emergency in 2022.
A case associated with the outbreak in Africa has been reported in Sweden, which is the first sign that the illness has spread outside the region.
Although officials in Canada, Australia, and the US have not identified the new strain, they are still urging people to be aware of its symptoms.
NSW Health noted that the number of cases of mpox in the state increased significantly after June 1.
Over 90,000 cases of the mpox virus have been reported since 2022 in different countries outside Africa, such as Australia
. It’s related to smallpox and can cause fever, muscle aches, and skin lesions.
Dr. Jeremy McAnulty of NSW Health noted that there have been more than 15,000 cases of the illness this year in Central Africa, most of which were caused by the new strain.
Due to the increasing number of cases, NSW Health is now asking individuals who may be at risk to be aware of their symptoms.
The virus can spread through close contact with infected people, especially those who have had sexual contact. It usually starts with small skin lesions on the anus, the genitals, and the buttocks.
Those who have had the mpox vaccine should contact their primary healthcare provider if they experience any of the symptoms of the illness.
This comes after health officials warned travelers about the potential spread of a deadly new virus in Europe.
In June and July, 19 cases of the Oropouche virus were reported in Germany, Italy, and Spain. Most of these individuals had recently traveled to Cuba or Brazil.
The virus has also been detected in multiple countries in the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.
The Oropouche virus can be transmitted to humans by a type of midge that is not native to Europe.
According to the European Commission for Disease Prevention and Control, there is currently no proof that European mosquitoes or European midges can transmit the disease.
In Brazil, six pregnant women reportedly contracted the virus while they were in the country.
Because of the lack of effective vaccines and medication, health officials in South America have advised travelers to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes.
The symptoms of the illness are similar to that of flu. It can cause a headache, fever, muscle aches, and joint pains.