Latvia records first case of monkeypox

RIGA - Latvia has recorded its first case of monkeypox, LETA was told at the Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) Friday. 

According to the CDC, Latvia's first monkeypox patient, an adult under 50 years of age, is experiencing mild symptoms of the illness. The person contracted the virus in a foreign country and is currently under a medics' surveillance. 

The CDC is conducting an epidemiological investigation into the monkeypox case, interviewing the patient and taking necessary measures. 

Monkeypox is a rare disease that is caused by infection with monkeypox virus, most often found in countries of Central and Western Africa. Monkeypox cases in people have occurred outside of Africa linked to international travel or imported animals. 

Earlier, health experts said that the monkeypox virus is not highly contagious and causes mild disease, which is why Latvia does not need to organize mass vaccination against this virus. 

The WHO said more than 550 monkeypox cases have been confirmed in 30 countries outside the West African nations where it is endemic since the start of May.