The Ministry of Health (Minsal) confirmed the second death from Monkey Smallpox in Chile. This is a male, of legal age, not vaccinated and who was diagnosed with the disease on October 20, had underlying pathologies and a weakened immune system (immunosuppression).
The Minsal emphasized that the main way of transmission of Monkeypox is prolonged close skin-to-skin contact, so people with multiple sexual partners or with risk behaviors are more likely to get sick.
The Health Authority stressed the importance of timely consultation in a health care center in the event of symptoms such as skin or mucous membrane lesions, particularly in the genital area, which can be accompanied by a temperature above 38.5ºC, swollen glands, pain headache, muscle aches and decay.
Preventive measures
Among the preventive measures, they recommend avoiding close contact, skin to skin, with people who have lesions that resemble Monkeypox; no kissing, hugging, or having sexual relations in saunas, clubs, discos, mass events, or private and public sex parties; and not use objects and utensils used by a person with the disease, such as cutlery, cups, clothing, towels, sheets, or others.
The Ministry of Health began post-exposure vaccination on October 19 and it is available throughout the country as part of the outbreak containment strategy. To inoculate yourself, contact the health SEREMI of your region.
In addition, through the Department of Epidemiology, the Minsal began surveillance according to international recommendations, among which are:
- Alert to the national epidemiology network.
- Start of monkeypox surveillance.
- Implementation of an electronic form for notification of cases.
- Reinforcement of laboratory capacities.
