Scientists have developed a PCR test to detect the monkeypox virus in 90 minutes.
Developed by South Korean diagnostic firm Seegene, this test helps countries monitor the spread of the virus and limit its transmission to the public.
Health officials have warned that the spread in Europe could be “driven” by major events such as festivals, as the World Health Organization expects more cases this summer.
The European office of the World Health Organization (WHO) warns that Europe is outside the “epicenter of the largest and most geographically prevalent monkey flower epidemic in West Africa and Central Africa”.
The monkey flower virus has been detected in more than 50 countries, with South Korea confirming the first case last week. The estimated mortality rate of strains currently prevalent in the northern hemisphere is 3-6%, which is especially dangerous for children and people with weak immunity.
The incubation period for monkeypox infection ranges from 5 to 21 days, so timely PCR testing is essential, especially for people with suspected cases.
The new test can identify positive cases of the chickenpox virus in 90 minutes. Seegene plans to deliver the chickenpox virus to countries where the virus has been detected.
According to the latest data from the Health Insurance Agency (HSA), there are more than 1,000 cases of chickenpox in the UK.
Currently, there are 1,076 infections nationwide, 79% in London.
UKHSA incident director Dr Sophia McKee said: More cases are expected in the coming days and weeks.
Source: Metro
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