Minister of Healthcare Azhar Giniyat announced that Kazakhstan is preparing a treatment protocol for monkeypox, Qazmonitor reports.
According to her, the country has 1,300 tests designed especially for detecting monkeypox.
She noted that the healthcare ministry relies on the information on the disease provided by the World Health Organization (WHO). According to their report, more than 25,000 cases of the disease have been registered in 89 countries.
Currently, there are no cases of monkeypox registered in Kazakhstan.
"Scientists, and countries with cases of infection, have listed a triad of symptoms: intoxication, swelling of lymph nodes, and a characteristic rash. The WHO recommends treating the disease symptomatically," she said.
Presently, a number of countries, including Kazakhstan, are conducting experimental antiviral drugs, added Minister Giniyat. "If the clinical trial is successful, we will also recommend it and include it in the protocol for the treatment of monkeypox," she continued.
The WHO previously stated that vaccination for monkeypox is not necessary.
In her closing remarks, the minister assured that Kazakhstan's specialists are working together with WHO representatives to manage the disease.
"We are monitoring for any cases of monkeypox, checking for diagnoses of diseases with similar symptoms, as well as training our medical staff. We are developing a protocol that will instruct doctors on the treatment of the disease," she concluded.