Recent health updates in Russia reported two monkeypox cases identified in St. Petersburg, both among travelers who had come from China. The information, shared via the Telegram channels of health departments, notes that the two men were diagnosed after returning from a tourist trip to Hong Kong. Public health authorities in Russia are monitoring any potential spread and are advising travelers to stay informed about symptoms and required precautions when traveling internationally.
Meanwhile, a prominent virologist, Anatoly Altshtein from the Gamaleya Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, stated that monkeypox does not pose a threat to Russia at this time. He reminded readers that during last year’s global outbreak, about 80 thousand people were affected. Earlier this spring, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that monkeypox no longer constituted a global emergency and that the contagiousness of the virus had significantly decreased. Such assessments reflect a shift in the risk profile as surveillance and vaccination efforts continue in many regions.
Altshtein explained that the virus historically circulates in rodent populations in Africa and can be transmitted to humans through animal hosts. He noted that human-to-human transmission can occur, but emphasized that transmission from non-human primates alone is not the sole pathway. In the context of last year’s epidemic, he pointed to Europe being affected by an imported case and highlighted that a substantial portion of reported incidents involved specific demographic groups. The emphasis remains on understanding transmission routes, enhancing surveillance, and ensuring that healthcare systems are prepared to respond quickly to any new clusters of cases.
Reports also indicate that the first documented case of person-to-person transmission of the monkeypox virus occurred in Vietnam, marking a key point in tracing how the virus can move across borders. Officials continue to stress the importance of early detection, isolation of suspected cases, and contact tracing to contain any potential outbreaks. For residents in Canada and the United States, staying aware of travel advisories, recognizing symptoms such as fever, rashes, and swollen lymph nodes, and seeking prompt medical advice if exposure is suspected remain essential steps in protecting community health.
In broader terms, public health agencies continue to monitor monkeypox transmission dynamics, publish guidance for clinicians, and update vaccination recommendations where appropriate. Travelers returning from regions with reported cases should monitor their health for several weeks and report any unusual symptoms to a healthcare provider. While the overall risk to the general population is considered low in many areas, vigilance helps prevent localized outbreaks and supports rapid containment should exposure be suspected.