Monkeypox virus under an electron microscope. File photoMEXICO CITY, Aug 21A tourist from Italy became the first carrier of smallpox in Cuba, he is in critical condition, the country's Ministry of Health said. «The male patient, an Italian by nationality, arrived in Cuba as a tourist on August 15 this year… The patient is in critical condition, his life is in danger,» a communiqué on the website of the Ministry of Health says. The tourist, who managed to visit several provinces, felt unwell on August 17 and went to the doctors the next day, when the symptoms worsened. He was taken to the hospital with cardiac arrest, but was able to resuscitate. The severity of the disease is explained by «concomitant causes,» the Ministry of Health said in a statement. «Epidemiological studies are deepening, focal anti-epidemic measures are being carried out, provided for by the approved protocol to combat this disease in the country,» the ministry noted. Monkeypox is a rare viral infection that is transmitted between people. It is usually a mild condition and most people recover within a few weeks, but complications can occur for some. Initial symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion. A rash may develop, often starting on the face and then spreading to other parts of the body. The majority of infections occur in Europe, mostly among men who have had sex with members of the same sex. 200 cases
