An Egyptian official revealed the reason for the lack of concern about monkeypox turning into an epidemic similar to COVID-19. Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, spokesperson for the Egyptian Ministry of Health, stated to "Al Arabiya.net" and "Al Hadath.net" that monkeypox spreads among individuals through touching, handshaking, and skin contact, or by touching the blisters, and therefore it will not turn into an epidemic since it does not spread through the air like COVID-19. He advised citizens to avoid risk factors and not to touch or shake hands with infected individuals or use their personal items.
He disclosed that the symptoms of the disease appear as blisters on the skin and rashes on the palms and back of the hands, accompanied by a fever and severe headache, clarifying that the virus does not spread rapidly. Abdel Ghaffar denied any indications that the virus is close to entering Egypt and stated that the Ministry of Health has increased monitoring, suspicion, and follow-up to minimize the chances of the virus reaching the country. Egypt has strengthened its measures at ports and airports to detect any cases that may arrive and to address them promptly.
