Hong Kong reports 2 cases of mpox

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) – Hong Kong Friday reported two cases of mpox, with health authorities urging the public to avoid contact with infected individuals.

The Center for Health Protection (CHP) of Hong Kong said in a statement that two mpox cases were reported, involving 44- and 31-year-old males.

They were hospitalized and in stable condition, it added.

The CHP also advised high-risk target groups to receive mpox vaccination.

Early this month, a 31-year-old man was admitted with mpox.

Mpox is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with material contaminated with the virus.

Patients often start exhibiting symptoms with a fever, enlarged lymph nodes, back pain, and muscle aches before a rash appears on the skin, according to World Health Organization (WHO).

Last year, the WHO renamed monkeypox to mpox, saying the name of the disease had acted as "racist and stigmatizing language."