Second monkeypox case confirmed in Moscow region

A second patient diagnosed with monkeypox is undergoing treatment in the infectious diseases ward of Domodedovo City Hospital in Russia’s Moscow region, local health officials said.

Doctors confirmed that two male patients are currently being treated for the virus, both of whom are in satisfactory condition. The most recently hospitalised patient, a 38-year-old man, is reported not to have travelled abroad and is believed to have contracted the infection through sexual contact, according to the hospital’s press service, Caliber.Az informs via Russian media.

Maxim Zabelin, Deputy Chairman of the regional government and health minister, said the second case was identified through contact tracing after the first patient was admitted. While only one case was initially confirmed through laboratory testing, subsequent analysis verified infection in the second patient.

Monkeypox is a viral infectious disease primarily carried by rodents and primates in parts of Africa and Asia. Russia’s consumer safety watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, has repeatedly stated that the domestic situation remains under control, with enhanced epidemiological measures in place at border entry points.

The agency has also advised Russian citizens travelling abroad to avoid contact with animals and to adhere strictly to hygiene precautions to reduce the risk of infection.

By Sabina Mammadli