Monkeypox situation in Finland not worrying: Broas

Infection diseases specialist Dr. Markku Broas said that the infection rate of monkeypox in Finland is not widespread and there is no need to be worried about the disease at this moment.

He, however, said that authority will follow the situation closely to monitor the development in this regard.

“The situation of monkeypox infection in Finland is not that much severe and at this stage we need not to be worried that much,” Broas, Head of infection diseases of the Lapland Central Hospital, told Daily Finland.

He pointed out that the decease originated from Africa transmits by close contact, mainly by homosexual contact and it could be avoided by taking precautionary measures.

“Compared to coronavirus the risk of monkepox infection is much more lower,” said Broas, adding that the situation of coronavirus is still worrying and the pandemic is not over yet.

He said that the coronavirus infection rate remains significantly high and the measures against the infection should be continued.

A total of 13 cases of monkeypox infection reported in Finland until July 11, according to the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).

Most of the infections originated outside of Finland. However, some of the infections occurred inside Finland, which means that the possibility of being infected in Finland is worth considering.

All of those who have been infected are men.

Spain reported two monkeypox-related deaths in earlier this month while Brazil and India reported one monkeypox related death each.

The World Health Organization declared it a global health emergency on July 23.