The World Health Organization (WHO) declared on July 23, monkeypox as a global health emergency, after the increase in cases worldwide, with more than 16,000 cases reported in 75 countries. and territories, with five fatalities.
A Public Health Emergency of International Importance (PHEIC) is declared when an extraordinary event occurs that constitutes a risk to the public health of the countries, through the international spread of diseases and that requires a coordinated response.
The WHO assessment is that the current risk of monkeypox is moderate in most regions, except in the European region, where it is high.
The risk of interference with international travel is considered low at this time.
With the declaration of emergency, an official call is made to the States to act and cooperate in the detection, treatment and control of the disease.
The Ministry of Health focuses on preparation and response at this stage, through the intensification of surveillance, communication to the population, raising awareness about the transmission of the monkeypox virus, prevention and protection measures, signs and symptoms of the disease and in the training of HR in health for the capture, notification, diagnosis and adequate treatment of cases.
All this framed in a multisectoral coordination with scientific societies, organized civil society and other key actors.
What is monkeypox?
It is a disease caused by a virus that belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus, which also includes the virus that causes smallpox. It is a zoonotic viral infection, which means it can spread from animals to humans. It can also spread from person to person.
The disease is considered endemic in some West and Central African countries.
What are the symptoms of monkeypox?
They can include fever, headache, muscle and back pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion.
The main sign is a skin rash, which can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, such as the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus.
The rash goes through different stages before it heals completely. The illness usually lasts 2 to 4 weeks. Sometimes people have a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash.
Can the disease become serious?
Complications of monkeypox include secondary skin infections, pneumonia, confusion, and eye problems. Children, especially newborns, and people with immunosuppression are the most susceptible to complications.
In most cases, the symptoms of this disease go away on their own within a few weeks.
How is it transmitted?
Monkeypox spreads in different ways.
The virus can be spread from person to person through:
• direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs or body fluids.
• respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, caressing, or sex.
• touching items (such as clothing or bedding) that previously came in contact with the infectious rash or body fluids.
• Pregnant women can transmit the virus to the fetus through the placenta.
It is also possible for people to contract monkeypox from infected animals, either by being scratched or bitten by the animal or by preparing or eating meat or using products from an infected animal, a mechanism more common in endemic areas of Africa.
Monkeypox can spread from the time symptoms begin until the rash has completely healed and a new layer of skin has formed. The illness usually lasts 2 to 4 weeks.
When is a suspected case considered?
When a person of any age, in a country not endemic for monkeypox, develops a clinical picture of an unexplained skin rash accompanied by one of the following: headache, fever greater than 38.5°C, muscle pain, back, lack of energy, enlarged lymph nodes.
And with one or more of the following epidemiological conditions within 21 days:
1. Being a close contact of a suspected or confirmed case of monkeypox.
2. Travel history: to an endemic country or where monkeypox cases are occurring
3. Risk exposure: narrow exposure without respiratory protection; direct physical contact, including sexual contact; or contact with contaminated materials, such as clothing or bedding, with a person who has traveled to countries where cases are currently being reported.
It is noteworthy that early consultation is very important so that a health professional rules out common causes of skin rashes already known, such as allergies, chickenpox, dengue, infections caused by bacteria, among others, before considering suspicion of smallpox. monkey.
When is it a confirmed case?
When the person who meets the definition of a suspected case is laboratory-confirmed for monkeypox virus, using molecular testing (real-time PCR).
Are diagnostic tests performed in our country?
The diagnostic test for suspected monkeypox and/or confirmation tests for monkeypox will be performed at the Central Laboratory of Public Health, which has equipment and trained personnel for the procedure. The sample needed to analyze it is: swab from the lesions. Confirmation is based on PCR tests.
Where should a person with suspicious symptoms go?
Early consultation with the nearest health service is very important, in case of a skin rash not explained by usual causes, especially if you have a history of travel to countries where cases of the disease are recorded.
Where can I get information about the disease?
The General Directorate of Health Surveillance has a section that is updated weekly at the following address: https://dgvs.mspbs.gov.py/webdgvs/views/pages/monkeypox.html
