Virus Detected in Semen of Monkeypox Patient

Virus Detected in Semen for the First Time... Not Yet Confirmed as Transmission Source
Most Cases Involve Same-Sex Sexual Contact, Some Patients Test HIV Positive

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] A research report has emerged showing that the virus was detected in the semen of a patient infected with monkeypox.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Chinese media Pengpai cited the latest issue of the European medical journal Euro Surveillance on the 7th, reporting that the transmission routes of monkeypox have become relatively clear.

According to four research reports published in Euro Surveillance, most patients confirmed in Italy, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and Australia had sexual contact between men, and some patients tested positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS.

In particular, monkeypox virus was detected in the semen of three Italian patients. This is the first time the virus has been detected in semen. Until now, there was no definitive evidence that monkeypox virus is transmitted through semen or vaginal secretions. There had only been assumptions that the virus spreads through sexual contact between men.

The research team collected and tested semen from three patients suspected of having monkeypox symptoms, all of whom tested positive. However, they added that since other viruses can also be found in semen, it is still premature to conclude that semen is a source of virus transmission.

As a result of epidemiological investigations of four patients, all Italian patients had sexual intercourse with men, and three of them participated in a Spanish LGBTQ event. The remaining one had sexual intercourse while traveling, the report added.

Pengpai cited data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the 5th (local time), reporting that there are 911 monkeypox patients worldwide, confirmed in 36 countries. The UK has the highest number of cumulative confirmed cases at 225, followed by Spain with 186 cases.

Monkeypox is a viral disease characterized by fever, chills, headache, and the appearance of vesicular rashes similar to chickenpox all over the body, especially on the hands.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.