The initial confirmed cases of monkeypox in the UK, the first country to alert the WHO of the disease before possible infection was detected in Spain, Portugal and the United States, are linked to West African variant, less seriousThe World Health Organization (WHO) said today.

In a follow-up report on the situation in the UK, which does not echo cases in other countries, WHO explains that the West African variant has 1 percent lethalwhile from Central Africa rises to 10 percent.

The Geneva-based organization warns that this disease, which transmitted through droplets or direct contact with contaminated skin or objectsposes an additional risk for children and pregnant women, who can transmit the disease to the fetus.

WHO shows that smallpox vaccine conventional is enough effective against this diseasealthough since the disease was eradicated 40 years ago and the immunization campaign against it is coming to an end, the younger generation does not have that protection.

In its report, the agency recommends that anyone who becomes ill after returning from a monkeypox endemic area, notify medical services.

Travelers to risk areas and residents of these places should avoid contact with dead and sick animalsespecially rodents (the main vehicle for transmitting the disease), marsupials or primates, adds WHO, which also advises do not consume meat from game or wild animals in these areas.

WHO chose at this time not to recommend restricting movement to the UK, and reminded the importance of hand hygiene to reduce transmission of infectious diseases.

The first confirmed case in the UK was hospitalized on 6 May, the disease was diagnosed on 12 May, and three days later the WHO was notified of several cases in the country.