On Tuesday, 14 June, Latvia’s government decided to add monkey pox to the list of infectious diseases, stressing that it is an infectious disease dangerous for both humans and animals.
The Disease Prevention and Monitoring Centre (SPKC) has already commenced the registration of money pox and epidemiological investigation. A separate decision is needed to approve a unified procedure in requirements of the Cabinet of Ministers. Regulations detail the method used for laboratory investigations and examination of samples from people suspected of having monkey pox. Regulations also cover information exchange between SPKC, Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) and other sides, World Health Organisation included, as BNN was told by Ministry of Health.
In May 2022 a man in the UK who had recently returned from a trip to Nigeria was diagnosed with money pox.
This was followed by reports of monkey pox infections in other countries. By the end of May a total of 23 countries had reported money pox infections within their respective territories. The infection continues spreading. On 3 June Latvia reported two confirmed cases of monkey pox.