MADRID, SPAIN.- So far there are already 7 cases of monkey pox or Monkeypox confirmed in Madrid by the authorities. The Community of Madrid has another 22 patients under study, a figure that hospital sources raise to almost fifty, until now it has not been possible to track the number of people who could have been in contact with the first, and the danger lies in the incubation period of the monkeypox that is around between 14 and 21 days.

The international alert was generated by England since since May 6, 2022, cases were confirmed in that country of the European zone.

Cases in England since May 6.

The cases in England are evidenced according to the health authorities of that country who have confirmed at least one person is infected with monkeypox; the patient recently traveled to Nigeria, where it is believed that he may have been infected, at the moment several suspected cases are known, which could have been infected by the patient who arrived from Nigeria.

The latter was being treated at an expert respiratory infectious disease unit at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London.

Cases of Monkeypox spread throughout Europe and reach Portugal.

In Portugal, at least one case has been confirmed, and there are several suspects.

What is Monkeypox?

According to the US CDC,

“Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus belongs to the genus Orthopoxvirus of the family Poxviridae. The genus Orthopoxvirus also includes the variola virus (which causes the smallpox), vaccinia virus (used in the smallpox vaccine), and cowpox virus.

Monkeypox was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a smallpox-like disease occurred in research monkey colonies, hence the name “monkeypox.” The first human case of monkeypox was reported in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). ) during a period of intensified efforts to eliminate smallpox. Since then, cases of monkeypox have been reported in people from several other West and Central African countries: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Liberia, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, and Sierra Leone. Most of the infections are in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. ”

How is it transmitted?

Transmission of monkeypox virus occurs when a person comes into contact with the virus from an animal, human, or material contaminated with the virus. The virus enters the body through broken skin (even if it is not visible), the respiratory tract, or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth).

Is there treatment?

NOT

There is no proven and safe treatment for monkeypox virus infection. Treatment of monkeypox is supportive. Potentially useful drugs include

  • Antiviral drug tecovirimat (approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration [FDA] for the treatment of smallpox)
  • The antiviral drugs cidofovir or brincidofovir (CMX001)

All of these drugs have activity against monkeypox in vitro and in experimental models. However, none of these drugs have been studied or used in endemic areas for the treatment of monkeypox. (Source: https://www.msdmanuals.com/)

Is there a vaccine?

Yes, the smallpox vaccine protects by 85% but it is no longer produced because it was eradicated.

 

UPDATE:

10.05PM -4GMT

CASES INCREASED TO 9 IN PORTUGAL
13 CASES APPEAR IN CANADA
AT LEAST 1 CASE APPEARS IN THE USA.

NotiActual.com