A total of seven positive patients of simian or monkey virus, reproached the authorities of the Department of Epidemiology of the Ministry of Health (MINSA) on the afternoon of this Friday, August 19, after reporting the detection of two new cases.
The General Director of Health, Melva Cruz, reported that these confirmed cases are Panamanians, both male, one 56 years old and the other 36 years old. To date, all the cases reported in the national territory are male patients.
Cruz explained that both patients, unrelated to each other, presented skin lesions and due to their increase, they went to a hospital facility, where they were clinically evaluated, samples were taken and sent to the Gorgas Memorial Institute and Thus, these two new positive cases with monkeypox or monkeypox (Monkey Pox) are confirmed.
Both patients are in isolation at the San Miguel Arcángel Hospital because they did not have the conditions required for home isolation.
“In their general health condition, both patients are stable,” said Cruz, who added that once there is a suspected case, all relevant epidemiological surveillance, the traceability team, the rapid response team, are activated to before and after the onset of symptoms.
He explained that the transmission of monkeypox occurs from person to person, it can be caused by skin lesions, from one infected person to another, respiratory and body fluids; and also through infected clothing or any surface that has had contact with the lesions.
“It is important that when we are in front of a suspected or diagnosed person with monkeypox, we wear a mask,” Cruz said.
He added that the General Director of Health, who are immunosuppressed or HIV patients, may be susceptible to complications and if not treated in time, can cause death, but added that “this is a self-limited disease, after two or three weeks It resolves itself, with symptomatic treatment.
Since last May 24, Panama declared a health alert throughout the country and epidemiological surveillance was redoubled in all health regions and all entry points into the national territory.
Among its symptoms are fever, headache, swollen glands, lumbar pain, muscle pain and lack of energy. The symptoms of this disease can last from 5 to 21 days.
Worldwide, the data reported by the WHO indicates that the majority of cases are men, 93% of cases are between 25 and 45 years old, one of the main routes of transmission being close contact during sexual intercourse. Therefore, it is recommended to practice safe sex and avoid having sex with multiple partners.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently noted that monkeypox infection can be divided into two stages. The first is incubation, which can last from zero to 5 days. The second, of skin rash, which can vary between one to three days, after the onset of fever.
This skin condition usually affects the face in 95% of cases; 75% the palms of the hands and feet.
Among the recommendations issued by the WHO to prevent contagion are the following:
1. Perform hand hygiene with soap and water or use alcohol gel frequently.
2. Avoid sharing food, drinks or other objects for personal use.
3. Avoid contact with any material, such as clothing or bedding, that has been in contact with a sick person or animal.
4. If you present related signs and symptoms seek immediate medical attention, do not self-medicate.
5. Cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze with a tissue or your forearm.
6. When in close contact with a sick person, wear a mask.
