Monkey pox in Prague: Waste water is being tested, there are probably more cases
“From the examination of wastewater for monkey pox, we expect, first of all, monitoring of the situation and monitoring of development trends. It can be assumed that there are more cases than reported. We are ready to consult the results of the examination and respond adequately in the event of an adverse situation,” Zdeňka Shumová, director of the Prague hygiene station, said in a press release.
Experts examine water samples using the PCR method, i.e. the same as samples taken from the nasopharynx when suspected of being infected with covid-19.
“Since the beginning of August three times a week we take waste water samples at the inlet of the existing water line and the new water line of the Central Wastewater Treatment Plant Prague. The selection of monitoring sites thus speaks volumes about the situation in the entire territory of the metropolis,” said CEO of PVK Petr Mrkos.
Coronavirus in wastewater
PVK has been monitoring the occurrence of the coronavirus in wastewater since the beginning of September 2021, focusing on selected primary schools, medical and social facilities, student dormitories or transport hubs.
The so-called monkey pox began to spread outside its countries of common occurrence in Africa this spring. In the Czech Republic, laboratories confirmed the first cases at the end of May. So far, 35 infected people from six regions have been detected, the most cases are in Prague. All those infected so far are men, according to experts, the infection is transmitted through close contact, for example sexual, and it spreads most in the community of men having sex with men.
Monkey pox in the Czech Republic. How to protect yourself? Videohub
Monkey pox.
Author: Reuters