First Case of Monkeypox in Lebanon

The Ministry of Public Health announced in a statement the registration of the first case of monkeypox in Lebanon. It stated that "the case is imported from abroad and is currently under home isolation, with a stable medical condition. The ministry is also monitoring and tracking close contacts." The Ministry of Public Health mentioned that monkeypox is caused by a virus that can be transmitted to humans, "either from animals to humans through contact with infected animals (rodents or monkeys) in countries where the virus is endemic in sub-Saharan African countries (Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo - Kinshasa, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic...) or from human to human through direct contact with skin lesions and respiratory droplets, sexual relations, or indirectly through contaminated items, particularly bed linens." It urged the public to take the following preventive measures: "Maintain a safe distance from infected individuals and not share their personal items, avoid contact with animals in countries where the disease is endemic, and refrain from consuming wild animal meat." It concluded: "For more information, you can contact the hotline 1787."