Russia sends monkeypox detection test systems to Uzbekistan

The countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), as well as Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, have requested Russia to supply monkeypox detection test systems. This was reported by the press service of the Federal Service for the Protection of Consumer Rights and Human Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor) of the Russian Federation.

Yesterday, on August 26, an extraordinary meeting was held at the initiative of Rospotrebnadzor, involving the heads of competent bodies in the field of sanitary-epidemiological welfare from the EEU member states. Sanitary officials from Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan participated in the meeting, and the heads of the corresponding bodies from Tajikistan and Uzbekistan were also invited.

According to the members of the Council, the risk of the spread of monkeypox is estimated to be low in the EEU member states, as well as in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The participants discussed the measures taken against the epidemic across the Eurasian region and noted that quarantine control measures have been strengthened at the borders. Additionally, the countries participating in the meeting requested Russia to provide a test system for detecting monkeypox, and Rospotrebnadzor agreed to cooperate with them.

For reference, monkeypox is a rare viral disease characterized by symptoms such as fever, intoxication, enlarged lymph nodes, and a rash in the form of spots. The virus is transmitted to humans from wild animals, such as rodents and primates, and can also be transmitted from person to person. In mild cases, the disease resolves on its own and typically lasts for two to three weeks.

It should be noted that earlier, the head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, declared an epidemiological emergency regarding monkeypox.