Egyptian health ministry identifies second case of 'monkeypox' virus

Egypt has detected a second case of the monkeypox virus, identified in an Arab citizen who arrived in the country this week, the Egyptian health ministry declared on Tuesday, adding that the patient has been quarantined in an isolation hospital.

The male patient was detected during epidemiological monitoring procedures upon his arrival in Egypt on 25 September, the statement read, without specifying his nationality or age.

The current condition of the patient is stable and all required health and preventive measures have been taken with the patient’s contacts based on the World Health Organisation (WHO) protocol.

Earlier this month, the first case was recorded in a 42-year-old man who travelled regularly to Europe.

Late last month, the WHO said the disease – which is normally not fatal - had been detected in seven countries in the Middle East and North Africa.

A total of 18 deaths have been attributed globally to monkeypox since May.

On 24 July, the WHO triggered its highest alarm level, categorising monkeypox as a public health emergency requiring international concern besides Covid-19.

The disease causes painful and scarring lesions, basically to the face, anus and genitals.

More than 50,000 cases have been detected in the global outbreak, even though transmission is slowing in the virus hotspots in European countries and the US.