Too early to link monkeypox to sexual transmission, virologist says

In an interview with CNN Radio UFRJ virologist Clarissa Damaso said that it is still not possible to say whether monkeypox can be sexually transmitted.

Last Wednesday (15), the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that it is analyzing this possibility, after scientists detected viral DNA in the semen of a group of patients identified with monkeypox in Italy and Germany.

“We have to be careful with what is happening, it was not the replicating virus that was found, but genetic material, it is not the same thing, we need more studies,” he said.

According to the virologist, “if the material represents an active virus, then it can be associated with sexual transmission, but more samples should be studied to be sure.”

The transmission of the pathology occurs through direct contact with an infected person who has skin lesions, or through droplets of saliva.

The clinical manifestation of monkeypox, according to Clarissa, is different, “milder”, but this often “allows the disease to spread further.”

Brazil has, so far, five confirmed cases: three in São Paulo, one in Rio Grande do Sul and one in Rio de Janeiro.

All of them had passed through countries such as Portugal and the United Kingdom, which record cases of the disease.

“We have had over 1,700 cases worldwide and no deaths, the disease has been quite mild in this outbreak, with the majority of cases being adults in the 34-37 age range, predominantly male, with few children and females.”

The expert believes that the Ministry of Health has done “an excellent job” of monitoring: “With the identification of suspected cases as quickly as possible for diagnosis.”

“The most important thing is to count on the help of doctors to pay attention to the symptoms and signs of the disease, for clinical diagnosis”, he added.

*With production by Isabel Campos

Source: CNN Brasil

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