Monkeypox does not pose a Covid-style risk, top health execs sayMay 27, 2022 - 12:33 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - As the business and political elite gathered in Davos, Switzerland, this week for the first in-person World Economic Forum since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, global health concerns once again loomed heavy. A mysterious recent outbreak of monkeypox — a rare viral infection endemic to Africa — has confounded doctors and scientists as cases have surged across Europe, North America, Australia and the Middle East, CNBC reports. As of Wednesday, at least 237 confirmed and suspected cases of the disease have been reported globally — double the number recorded at the start of the Davos conference Monday. Symptoms typically include rashes, fever, headaches, muscle ache, swelling and backpain. But business leaders at the conference said they don’t see the virus posing a risk anywhere close to that of the coronavirus pandemic. The CEO of pharmaceutical giant Pfizer said Wednesday that he “wouldn’t worry much” about the spike in cases, noting that current data suggests monkeypox doesn’t transmit as easily as other viruses such as Covid-19. “With everything I know, I wouldn’t worry much,” Albert Bourla told CNBC, adding that some treatments already exist to minimize the impact of the virus. Vaccinations against smallpox have proven 85% effective against monkeypox. Already France and Denmark are considering targeted vaccination campaigns for those most at risk of transmitting the disease. Bourla’s comments echo those of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who said Monday that the monkeypox virus “is not Covid,” noting that is does not transmit easily via the air and respiratory particles. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Mirzoyan says meeting with Bayramov was “constructive” At the moment, Ararat Mirzoyan said, there is no basis for additional comments. OSCE vows support for Armenia “in all three directions of security” Achieving stable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan remains a priority of the OSCE, said Ian Borg. 151 detained as civil disobedience campaigns continue in Yerevan Citizens have been blocking streets in the Armenian capital, demanding Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation. France welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan meeting in Almaty France has welcomed the new round of negotiations between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan. |