Israel Reports 2nd Case of Monkeypox, Suspects Others

The Israeli Health Ministry said Sunday it was investigating if the second case of monkeypox had been detected in Israel, according to the Times of Israel. The announcement came a day after the first case in Israel was officially confirmed.

Authorities in Israel say they have discovered the country's first case of monkeypox in a man who recently returned from overseas and are investigating other possible cases.

Late Saturday, Israel's Health Ministry stated the man was in good health in a Tel Aviv hospital. It advised anyone returning from a trip overseas with a fever and sores to seek medical attention.

Medical teams were evaluating other potential monkeypox cases, according to Sharon Alroy-Preis, the ministry's director of public health services.

Israel's instance looked to be the first in the Middle East to be discovered. Around 80 cases have been confirmed by the World Health Organization, with another 50 suspected cases.

Previously, cases of the smallpox-related sickness were only seen in people with ties to Central and West Africa. However, infections were documented in the United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal, Italy, the United States, Sweden, and Canada, particularly in young males who had not previously visited Africa. Cases have also been found in France, Germany, Belgium, and Australia.

Most patients have fever, body pains, chills, and weariness after contracting the virus, which originated in monkeys and other wild animals. A rash and lesions on the face, hands, and other regions of the body might appear in severe cases.