WHO Chief Recommends Sex Partner Reduced to Avoid Monkeypox

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), delivers his speech after his reelection, during the 75th World Health Assembly at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 24, 2022. (Salvatore Di Nolfi/Keystone via AP

The head of World Health Organization (WHO), advised men who are at high risk for getting monkeypox that they should consider changing their partners.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said 98 percent of the monkeypox cases detected since the outbreaks emerged in May have been among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. He urged those who are at greatest risk to take precautions to ensure their safety.

“This means that you and your partner can make safe decisions for yourselves, Tedros stated at Wednesday’s news conference. This includes, at the moment, decreasing your sexual partners

Infectious persons should avoid close physical contact and should be isolated. People should also have contact information for new partners, in the event they require follow-up, according to WHO Chief.

To date, more than 22,000 cases have been reported in more than 79 countries; deaths have been reported in Africa, Europe, and South America.