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Monkeypox in Belgium: Vandenbroucke announces a 3rd case and reports on the situation, "these people must be particularly vigilant"
Published on Friday, May 20, 2022 at 4:48 p.m. By Sudinfo
Based on the opinion of the RAG and the discussions in the RMG, Federal Minister of Public Health Frank Vandenbroucke summarized the current situation and opinions regarding monkeypox.
Here is the Minister's press release.
Three cases of monkeypox have been identified in Belgium, more precisely in Flanders. In recent weeks, cases have been identified in Europe: in the United Kingdom, Portugal and Spain, mainly in men who have sex with men (MSM).
Monkeypox is a rare viral disease, present in West and Central Africa, which does not spread easily among the population. Transmission occurs through very close physical contact with an infected person (through bodily fluids, among other things) or contact with clothes or linens used by a person with monkeypox. Monkeypox can be transmitted through direct contact during sexual intercourse. Nevertheless, the risk for the general population is low.
After an incubation period that can range from 5 to 21 days, people infected with monkeypox usually show mild symptoms initially. The first symptoms are fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes and fatigue. A rash may appear, often on the face, then spread to the rest of the body. The rash changes and goes through different stages until a crust appears. Most people heal within a few weeks. Exceptionally, these symptoms may be more serious. At this stage, the cases reported in Europe are mostly mild, and there are no reported deaths.
The evolution of cases in Belgium is being closely monitored.
“These people must be particularly vigilant”
If a person has a suspicious rash, it is currently advisable to contact the emergency department as soon as possible, who will eventually refer the patient to a hospital with greater expertise. Until monkeypox is ruled out or the infection is cured, close contact with other people should be avoided and sexual contact is recommended.
Men who have sex with other men, or people who have multiple sex partners, need to be especially careful.
Infected persons should be placed in contact isolation until the lesions have healed. (They will receive concrete instructions on this subject from the attending physician). High-risk contacts, such as cohabitants and sexual partners, are asked to monitor their condition for 21 days for symptoms – taking into account the incubation period – and should not be quarantined. Contact with pregnant women, children and immunocompromised people should be avoided during this time.
General practitioners and emergency services will also be informed of all developments.
For information, chickenpox is also widespread at present, especially in young children. This is a different disease, but the skin lesions are somewhat similar. In case of doubt or concern, it is best to contact your doctor.
https://www.sudinfo.be/id463351/arti...it-letat-de-la
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Translation google
Monkey pox: the Risk Assessment Group sends an important message
2 hours ago - updated 1 hour ago
By Johanne Montay
At this stage, three cases of "monkeypox" or monkey pox have been confirmed in Belgium, more precisely in Flanders. After 7 other European countries, including Spain, Portugal and France, this virus transmitted by animals but transmissible between humans questions our country. The government decided to consult the RAG, the scientific experts of the Risk Assessment Group.
The context is particular, because this virus, endemic in West Africa, but unusual in Europe, seems to have spread here mainly during sexual contact between men and men, and multiple sexual contacts. Monkeypox is transmitted by direct contact during sexual intercourse, regardless of sexual orientation. Transmission also occurs through very close physical contact with an infected person (through bodily fluids, among others) or contact with clothing or linen used by an infected person. Nevertheless, the risk for the general population is low.
The RAG therefore decided that it was necessary to launch an awareness campaign aimed at men who have sex with other men, and people with several sexual partners.
High-risk contacts should self-monitor for any symptoms: fever, body aches, fatigue, rash. A delicate prevention message, because it is as essential as it must be non-stigmatising. On the eve of Pride, which promotes international contacts and male homosexual encounters, the authorities believe it is their duty to pass this recommendation.
Patients infected with the virus should self-isolate, i.e. not have contact until the lesions have healed . High-risk contacts, such as cohabitants and sexual partners, are advised to monitor their condition for 21 days for symptoms - taking into account the incubation period - and should not be quarantined. Contact with pregnant women, children and immunocompromised people should be avoided during this time.
People who have had several sexual contacts are particularly advised to be vigilant. If they have a suspicious rash, they should go to an emergency department, informed about the procedure.
WHO's reaction
For its part, the European office of the World Health Organization published a press release on Friday on the cases reported in the region it covers. It works and shares information with the 8 European countries concerned to follow the evolution of the situation. " Although the number of cases in Europe is still relatively low, which is worrying ," says the WHO, "it is that some of the cases appear to have been contracted unrelated to travel to countries where monkeypox is known to be endemic. In addition, many cases have been detected in clinics specializing in sexually transmitted infections. It is not known at this stage what the extent of wider community transmission is, but it is likely that more cases will be identified in the coming days ."
https://www.rtbf.be/article/variole...t-group-adresse-un-message-important-10996838
