Popova said it was impossible to spread a severe strain of monkeypox in Russia

The spread of a severe strain of monkeypox (mpox clade Ib) is impossible on the territory of Russia. This was announced by the head of Rospotrebnadzor Anna Popova on December 7.

"We do not see any risks for the Russian Federation, for the population of the Russian Federation in terms of the spread (of the mpox lb variety)," TASS quoted her as saying.

She also specified that the Russian Federation actively supports African countries in the fight against this virus, providing them with various technologies and tests. The head of Rospotrebnadzor added that Russia is in close contact with colleagues from Africa and is engaged in their consultation.

Earlier, on November 29, the WHO reported that at least 13 thousand laboratory-confirmed cases of monkeypox (mpox) have been registered in the African region since the beginning of 2024.

Meanwhile, November 23, it became known about the first case of infection with a severe strain of monkeypox mpox slade lb in Canada in the province of Manitoba.

Also on November 16, it was reported about the first case of infection with mpox (clade I) in the United States. According to health officials, the ill person recently returned from East Africa, where an outbreak of mpox continues.

Prior to that, November 1, Rospotrebnadzor reported that the risks of spread of smallpox of monkeys (mpox) in Russia are minimal.

On the same day, it was reported that the number of cases of monkeypox (mpox) infection on the African continent continues to increase rapidly. The highest number of those infected with mpox is in Central Africa - 85.7%. The same region has the highest mortality rate from the virus at 99.5%.

Monkeypox is a rare viral disease, potentially dangerous for immunocompromised people. The infection is accompanied by fever, intoxication, enlargement of lymph nodes and subsequent spread of the rash: first in the form of spots that transform into vesicles, after opening ulcers are formed, after their healing - crusts, and when they fall off - scars. In mild cases, the disease usually goes away on its own and lasts from 14 to 21 days.