So far, Romania has not identified a case of monkeypox on its territory, but is preparing preventive measures against its spread, Digi 24 TV reported, BTA reported.

Health Minister Alexandru Rafila said the country would purchase several hundred smallpox vaccines for prevention.

Through the European Emergency Coordination Mechanism, HERA will explore the possibility of having a certain amount of vaccine that could be given to the contacts of a person diagnosed with the disease, Alexandru Rafila said on Sunday.

These are several hundred doses, probably a maximum of 1,000, to be provided to the Romanian authorities.

These are small amounts because the number of cases is small, the minister said, adding that the transmission of the disease is not like the coronavirus.

Romania's health ministry said monkeypox did not spread easily among humans and required close contact.

The virus enters the body through injured skin or mucous membranes, respiratory tract, eyes, nose or mouth and body fluids.

The main way it can spread is through close and prolonged physical contact with a person who has monkeypox.

The disease has already been confirmed in several European countries.

Israel and Switzerland are the last countries to confirm cases of smallpox, bringing the total number of countries reporting outbreaks to 14. 

More than 80 cases of monkeypox have been confirmed in Europe, the United States, Canada and Australia.

Prof. Alexandrova revealed whether the monkeypox will reach Bulgaria

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