Switzerland confirms first Monkeypox case

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On Saturday, Switzerland verified its first case of monkeypox in the medieval city of Bern, as the rare infectious disease spreads across Europe.

"A rise in monkeypox infections is being observed in Europe and North America. Switzerland has too confirmed the first case (Bern canton)," the Federal Office of Public Health said on social media.    

The health organization stated that while the symptoms of this tropical disease, which is common in Africa, are usually minor, people who develop fever and a chickenpox-like rash should seek medical attention.

According to the World Health Organization, symptoms disappear in two to three weeks, although the sickness can cause a variety of medical consequences. As of Friday, the UN agency had been notified of outbreaks in 11 nations.

Read more: Monkeypox: Should you be worried?

Earlier today, the World Health Organization will hold an emergency meeting next Friday on the spread of monkeypox.

The Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Infectious Hazards with Pandemic and Epidemic Potential (STAG-IH), which advises the WHO on infection risks that can endanger global health, is set to meet as more than 100 cases of monkeypox were reported outside of the countries in Africa where it is endemic.

Health officials are concerned over rising cases of monkeypox in North America and Europe, as the disease is usually endemic in parts of Africa.

More than 40 verified cases of monkeypox were detected in Spain and Portugal, with Canada being the latest country to say that it is investigating dozens of suspected cases.