By RNZ.co.nz
New Zealanders should be worried about the global spread of Monkeypox, an epidemiologist says.
Photo: NOBEASTSOFIERCE/SCIENCE PHOTO LI
The head of the World Health Organisation has declared the outbreak an international public health emergency.
University of Canterbury epidemiologist Arindam Basu said cases could emerge after New Zealand’s border reopens next month.
“This is not just a disease of homosexuals or men having sex with men, it used to be, but it is not anymore. Children as young as 7 months are being infected, and women definitely, it’s spreading.”
Genomic surveillance of Monkeypox is going to be more complex than Covid-19 because of the nature of the virus, he said.
New Zealand has confirmed two cases.
About The Author
Sometimes when a business is growing, it needs a little help.
Right now Kaniva News provides a free, politically independent, bilingual news service for readers around the world that is absolutely unique. We are the largest New Zealand-based Tongan news service, and our stories reach TongansĀ wherever they are round the world. But as we grow, there are increased demands on Kaniva News for translation into Tongan on our social media accounts and for the costs associated with expansion. We believe it is important for Tongans to have their own voice and for Tongans to preserve their language, customs and heritage. That is something to which we are strongly committed. Thatās why we are asking you to consider sponsoring our work and helping to preserve a uniquely Tongan point of view for our readers and listeners.