The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) recommends that EU / EEA countries focus on early detection, management, contact and reporting of new monkey pox cases. Countries should also update their contact detection mechanisms, orthopox’s diagnostic capability, and review the availability of smallpox, antiviral, and personal protective equipment for health professionals.
Infected individuals should remain isolated until the crusts fall and should especially avoid close contact with immunosuppressed individuals and pets. Abstinence from sexual activity and close physical contact is also recommended until the rash heals. Most cases can be left at home with supportive care.
Close contacts of smallpox cases in monkeys should monitor the development of symptoms on their own for 21 days after the last exposure. The ECDC will continue to monitor developments closely and update the risk assessment as new data and information become available.
Between 15 and 23 May, a total of 85 cases of monkey pox were reported in eight EU Member States (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden). Transmission can occur through close contact of the mucosa or non-intact skin with infectious material from the lesions or through large respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact.
“Most of the current cases have had mild symptoms and for the general population, the chance of spreading is very low,” said ECDC director Andrea Amon.
“However, the possibility of the virus spreading further through close contact, for example during sexual activity between people with multiple sexual partners, is considered high,” he added.
The monkey pox virus can cause serious illness in certain populations, such as young children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. Further research is needed to accurately assess morbidity and mortality.
If human-to-animal transmission occurs and the virus spreads to an animal population, there is a risk that the disease will become endemic in Europe. Therefore, there should be close cross-sectoral cooperation between human public health authorities and veterinary authorities to manage exposed pets and prevent the transmission of the disease to wildlife.
Source: Capital
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