482 confirmed monkeypox cases in Belgium

482 confirmed monkeypox cases have been reported in Belgium, according to the latest figures of the country's health institute Sciensano. The number of confirmed cases in Belgium stood at 393 last week.

261 cases were reported in Flanders, 172 cases in Brussels and 49 cases in Wallonia. Almost all patients (96%) had skin lesions and 72% also had general symptoms such as fever, general unwellness or swollen lymph nodes. Twenty-eight people have been hospitalised. So far, no deaths have occurred in Belgium.

Globally, five deaths have been linked to the disease outside Africa, namely in Spain (two), Brazil, India and Peru. Two weeks ago, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern.

(KOR)

© ALAIN JOCARD / AFP