BGI Genomics, Chinese gene test company, announces that its Monkeypox Virus Nucleic Acid Detection Kit (Fluorescent PCR) has obtained CE-IVDD approval

CGTN interviewed Prof. CHEN Weijun, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Deputy General Manager at BGI Genomics, about the spread of the monkeypox

The monkeypox virus is spreading in at least 19 countries. CGTN's Xu Hua spoke with an expert from the Chinese Academy of Sciences about this virus and how dangerous it could be.

The rapid spread of monkeypox around the globe is reviving memories of the deadly smallpox virus, which caused as estimated 300 to 500 million deaths during the 20th century.
In humans, the symptoms of monkeypox are similar to but milder compared to smallpox. But with confirmed cases on the rise, health experts say the outbreak is containable.

Professor CHEN WEIJUN Chinese Academy of Sciences and Deputy General Manager at BGI Genomics "Smallpox was eradicated worldwide in the 1980s. China stopped giving smallpox vaccinations in 1982."

Monkeypox is mainly spread by wild animals in Africa but it can be transmitted through close contact with people or material infected with the virus. The first human case was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Monkeypox begins with a fever, severe headache, swollen lymph nodes, muscle soreness and fatigue. A rash generally appears a day or two after the onset of fever. Experts say there's no need to panic, but they warn the public to be cautious.

Professor CHEN WEIJUN Chinese Academy of Sciences "It's certainly not as contagious as the coronavirus. It's probably more than 10 times less contagious. The infectious rate is low, but that does not mean that it can't lead to a large-scale outbreak."

XU HUA Shenzhen "According to the WHO, although monkeypox virus is less pathogenic in humans than its cousin, smallpox, it can still cause death, with a fatality rate of up to 10%. And, there is no effective treatment for monkeypox. So, it is vital to know how to prevent the spread of the virus."

Professor CHEN WEIJUN Chinese Academy of Sciences "Public health measures, including quarantine, reducing exposure, and disinfection, can be used for any infectious disease like monkeypox."

Health experts say China has an emergency response plan in place in the event there is an outbreak. Several Chinese test kit makers, including the leading provider of precision medicine service, BGI Genomics, said they are capable of producing nucleic acid test kits for monkeypox, and they can have them ready to go quickly once approved by the government. Xu Hua, CGTN, Shenzhen.

Source: CGTN