MONKEYPOX MADRID | Monkeypox cases double in Madrid
monkey poxor monkeypox, has been in the news again in recent hours with the emergence of three cases (in a family environment) in Seville.
This is a contagious disease caused by a virus of the family smallpox which put the whole world on alert between July 2022 and May 2023 with an explosion of infections, especially in our country.
Although the incidence rate has dropped significantly since then, largely due to vaccination against monkey poxhas not disappeared and cases continue to arise.
This year, 33 cases of monkeypox have been diagnosed in Madrid, five of which were “previously vaccinated with the current dose and one immunized with two doses” against it. monkey pox.
According to this data, 11 cases were confirmed in the first seven weeks of 2023. If we compare the figures with the same period, then this year In the first two months of the year, the number of infections tripled..
There is no specific data for municipalities, so it is unknown how many of them occurred in each of the cities of Madrid.
Symptoms of monkeypox
monkeypox symptoms appear between 5 and 21 days after time impact of the virus. Please note that symptoms may be very non-specific and may be confused with a simple cold or flu.
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Heat
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Sore throat
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Fatigue
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Inflammation
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Rectal pain
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Enlarged lymph nodes
However, what is most characteristic of this disease is that it usually occurs 1–5 days after the onset of fever. skin rash affecting any part of the body. It usually affects the genital, anal, perianal and oral areas. And general symptoms do not always appear.
As explained by the Ministry of Health, “skin rashes consist of rashes that start out smooth, then rise, transform into blisters with fluid, then into pustules and eventually dry out, forming scabs that eventually fall off and disappear.”
These rashes, which are one of the most unpleasant and unpleasant symptoms of monkeypox, take up to four weeks to heal. Most infected people recover within a few weeks without serious complications.
The most serious cases have been seen in children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. Those who have had infections in these skin lesions, corneal infection or pneumonia – these are those who required hospital care.
How is monkeypox diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made through laboratory tests using PCR. Samples are taken from skin lesions. Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for this disease, so only associated symptoms such as fever, sore throat or headache can be treated.
Vaccination: an effective measure against monkeypox
Currently, There are two vaccines against monkeypox, which help prevent and reduce the severity of the disease. It can be used before and after exposure to the virus.
And they should be vaccinated after being infected with monkeypox:
People at risk of serious illness or complications:
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People with immunosuppression
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Pregnant women in any trimester of pregnancy
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Children of any age.
Medical personnel who had close contact (less than 1 meter in one room) without PPE or with any incidents when using PPE.
Laboratory staff which processes samples from suspected or confirmed patients with PPE who have been exposed to PPE.
Vaccination is recommended. from the following risk groups:
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People who engage in risky sexual practices, especially, but not exclusively, GBMSH (gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men).
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Medical personnel in consultations specialized in STI/HIV care who care for people with high-risk practices, and laboratory personnel who work with specimens potentially contaminated with MPOX virus, or personnel responsible for disinfecting surfaces in specific areas where sexual relations.
He Dr. Fernando Moraga-LlopVice President of the Spanish Association of Vaccinologists (AEV), notes that a significant part of the Spanish population is protected from monkeypox.
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“All people over 50 can be almost absolutely sure that they were vaccinated against smallpox at that time, and this gives them an important degree of protection against this virus.”
Where can I get vaccinated?
Neighbours Alcala de Henares Those wishing to be vaccinated against monkeypox should be aware that immunization takes place at the Community Vaccination Center of Madrid, located at 15 Calle General Oraa. can be ordered via this link.
How is monkeypox spread?
It is transmitted through close and direct physical contact for skin lesions or body fluids containing the virus. Whether in the context of a sexual relationship or other situations of constant and prolonged physical contact.
The virus enters the body through wounds on the skin (even if they are invisible), through the mucous membranes (genitals, eyes, nose, mouth) or through the respiratory tract.
It could also be transmitted through other routes (through respiratory droplets or objects contaminated with body fluids), but these are less important in the current outbreak.