Eight cases of monkeypox or Simica have been registered in Panama, according to reports from the Department of Epidemiology of the Ministry of Health (MINSA), who confirmed this Thursday a new case of the disease in the country.
This eighth case is a 25-year-old male patient, who began symptoms on August 15, with vesicular-type skin lesions. On August 19, he started with fever, chills, muscle aches, fatigue, and malaise.
It should be noted that the eight cases registered in the country are men between 20 and 60 years old.
Later he went in search of medical attention where he was evaluated, samples were taken and sent to the Gorgas Commemorative Institute for Health Studies, giving a positive result for Monkey Pox.
The patient is in isolation at the Santo Tomás Hospital, because they did not have the conditions required for home isolation.
As highlighted in the Epidemiology report, all relevant epidemiological surveillance, the traceability team, the rapid response team, were activated immediately, before and after the onset of symptoms.
He explained that the transmission of monkeypox is spread 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.
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.
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.
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.
