Public health "There is no reason for social alarm over monkeypox, but there is an epidemiological alarm"
Epidemiology Symptoms and details to differentiate monkeypox from other skin lesions
The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has just published a new review of the monkeypox outbreaks that have spread throughout several countries and has recommended that the EU/EEA Member States "be focus on the rapid identification, management, contact tracing and reporting of new cases of monkeypox Countries
should also update their contact tracing mechanisms, diagnostic capacity for orthopoxviruses and review the availability of smallpox vaccines, antivirals and personal protective equipment for health professionals".
From May 15 to May 23, according to the ECDC, a total of
85 cases of EU-acquired monkeypox have been reported in eight EU Member States
(Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden).
Currently diagnosed human cases of monkeypox occur primarily
among men who have sex with men, suggesting that transmission may occur during intimate relationships
.
Transmission can occur through close contact of mucosa or non-intact skin with infectious material from lesions, or through large respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact.
"Most of the current cases have presented with mild symptoms of the disease, and for the general population,
the probability of contagion is very low
," said Andrea Ammon, director of the ECDC.
"
However, the probability that the virus will continue to spread through close contact, for example during sexual activities between people with multiple sexual partners, is considered high."
Stella Kyriakides, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, added: "I am concerned about the increase in the number of reported cases of monkeypox in the EU and globally. We are closely monitoring the situation, and
although currently the probability of spread in the general population is low, the situation is evolving"
.
Kyriakides has also stated that we must remain vigilant "to ensure that contacts are located and that adequate diagnostic capacity is available, and that we have the necessary vaccines, antivirals and personal protective equipment. for healthcare professionals".
The EU Health Security Committee, he said, "will discuss monkeypox tomorrow, and the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), the ECDC and the EMA are working closely together to ensure information on the epidemiological situation and the availability of vaccines and treatments".
The monkeypox virus can cause severe disease in certain population groups, such as young children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised people.
More research is needed to accurately estimate the level of morbidity and mortality in this outbreak.
If human-to-animal transmission occurs and the virus spreads in an animal population, there is a risk that the disease will become endemic in Europe
.
For this reason, according to the ECDC, "close intersectoral collaboration between human and veterinary public health authorities is necessary to manage exposed domestic animals and prevent the disease from being transmitted to wildlife."
Infected people should remain isolated until the scabs fall off and should
especially avoid close contact with immunosuppressed people and pets
.
It is also advised to refrain from sexual activity and close physical contact until the rash heals.
Most cases can stay at home with supportive care.
Close contacts of monkeypox cases should self-monitor for symptom development for 21 days after last exposure.
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