The Argentine Ministry of Health reported the first suspected case of monkeypox, in a man residing in the province of Buenos Aires, who was recently in Spain and who has symptoms consistent with the disease.
Source: EFE
The patient, who was in Spain from April 28 to May 16, has pustules on different parts of the body and fever but “is in good general condition” and receiving symptomatic treatment.
As detailed by the Ministry, to carry out the monitoring and investigation, samples were taken for diagnosis and they are being analyzed at the INEI-ANLIS Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán National Reference Laboratory in Buenos Aires.
Likewise, while the results are awaited, a work table was created to coordinate the “clinical, diagnostic and epidemiological actions” that lead to confirm or rule out the case and provide adequate clinical care to the patient, as well as implement measures to avoid a possible transmission.
Since the first cases of this disease were reported in other non-endemic countries, it was formed in the Ministry of Health in order to prevent the eventual appearance of the disease in Argentina.
The portfolio also disclosed a series of recommendations for the population, among them that whoever presents symptoms compatible with monkeypox (especially rashes) and a history of travel to areas where there are cases “and/or poses some risk exposure with suspected cases , probable or confirmed”, you must take social isolation measures, implement respiratory protection measures and consult with the health system.
The symptoms of monkeypox are similar to that of the eradicated smallpox, but somewhat milder, including fever, headache, muscle and back pain, chills and exhaustion – and there is often swollen glands and a skin rash.
In recent weeks, cases have been discovered in several countries where this virus had not previously been detected.
