Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Translation Google
2026-04-20
After the first case of Mpox was detected in Lithuania this year, a reminder about prevention
The National Public Health Center (NVSC) has received a report of a confirmed case of monkeypox (monkeypox) in Lithuania. This is the first confirmed case in Lithuania this year and the 7th case in total since 2022, when the outbreak of this disease occurred in Europe. An epidemiological study has been conducted, during which exposed individuals have been identified, they have been given the opportunity to be vaccinated and their health status is being monitored.
Monkeypox is a contagious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It is not a contagious disease, it can be contracted through close physical contact with a person who has developed symptoms of the disease.
Symptoms of the disease
Symptoms of the disease are usually mild to moderate. Smallpox is characterized by:
• a rash with blisters on the face, hands, feet, eyes, mouth and/or genitals and perineum;
• fever;
• enlarged lymph nodes;
• headache;
• sore throat;
• muscle and back pain;
• lack of energy.
Who is at greatest risk of infection and how to protect yourself?
The greatest risk of infection is through contact with a sick person. Persons who suspect that they may have been in contact with a person with smallpox and who have developed at least one of the symptoms are advised to contact a dermatovenereologist directly or the emergency department of a hospital with an infectious diseases center/department.
We remind you that a referral to a dermatovenerologist is not required.
It is transmitted in the following ways:
• through body fluids (pus or blood) from skin lesions;
• through respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact with a sick person;
• through bedding, towels, clothing and other environmental items used by a sick person;
• during sexual intercourse.
People with smallpox can infect others from the onset of symptoms until the symptoms of the disease disappear, i.e. until the rashes have completely healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed (usually 2-4 weeks).
How to avoid it?
To avoid contracting smallpox, you should follow these tips:
• avoid direct contact (skin-to-skin, face-to-face) with people who have symptoms of the disease;
• avoid unprotected sex;
• practice proper hand hygiene, especially before and after contact with a person with symptoms and their belongings;
• wear medical masks and disposable gloves when caring for a sick person.
Prophylactic vaccination against smallpox
In Lithuania, persons belonging to the risk group, i.e. men over 18 years of age who have sex with men, can be vaccinated against smallpox prophylactically.
A referral from a family doctor is not required for prophylactic vaccination. Vaccination is possible at the Central Polyclinic in Vilnius, by registering for the vaccination service through the Advance Patient Registration Information System (by marking Vilnius City Municipality, Central Polyclinic in the system, and selecting the "Smallpox vaccination for men" service).
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, a total of 26,398 smallpox cases were registered in the European Union countries from 2022, when the smallpox outbreak began, to 2026. March 12.
More information about smallpox can be found here .
Update date: 2026-04-20
https://nvsc.lrv.lt/lt/naujienos/li...tveji-siemet-priminimas-apie-prevencija-sTht/
2026-04-20
After the first case of Mpox was detected in Lithuania this year, a reminder about prevention
The National Public Health Center (NVSC) has received a report of a confirmed case of monkeypox (monkeypox) in Lithuania. This is the first confirmed case in Lithuania this year and the 7th case in total since 2022, when the outbreak of this disease occurred in Europe. An epidemiological study has been conducted, during which exposed individuals have been identified, they have been given the opportunity to be vaccinated and their health status is being monitored.
Monkeypox is a contagious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It is not a contagious disease, it can be contracted through close physical contact with a person who has developed symptoms of the disease.
Symptoms of the disease
Symptoms of the disease are usually mild to moderate. Smallpox is characterized by:
• a rash with blisters on the face, hands, feet, eyes, mouth and/or genitals and perineum;
• fever;
• enlarged lymph nodes;
• headache;
• sore throat;
• muscle and back pain;
• lack of energy.
Who is at greatest risk of infection and how to protect yourself?
The greatest risk of infection is through contact with a sick person. Persons who suspect that they may have been in contact with a person with smallpox and who have developed at least one of the symptoms are advised to contact a dermatovenereologist directly or the emergency department of a hospital with an infectious diseases center/department.
We remind you that a referral to a dermatovenerologist is not required.
It is transmitted in the following ways:
• through body fluids (pus or blood) from skin lesions;
• through respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact with a sick person;
• through bedding, towels, clothing and other environmental items used by a sick person;
• during sexual intercourse.
People with smallpox can infect others from the onset of symptoms until the symptoms of the disease disappear, i.e. until the rashes have completely healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed (usually 2-4 weeks).
How to avoid it?
To avoid contracting smallpox, you should follow these tips:
• avoid direct contact (skin-to-skin, face-to-face) with people who have symptoms of the disease;
• avoid unprotected sex;
• practice proper hand hygiene, especially before and after contact with a person with symptoms and their belongings;
• wear medical masks and disposable gloves when caring for a sick person.
Prophylactic vaccination against smallpox
In Lithuania, persons belonging to the risk group, i.e. men over 18 years of age who have sex with men, can be vaccinated against smallpox prophylactically.
A referral from a family doctor is not required for prophylactic vaccination. Vaccination is possible at the Central Polyclinic in Vilnius, by registering for the vaccination service through the Advance Patient Registration Information System (by marking Vilnius City Municipality, Central Polyclinic in the system, and selecting the "Smallpox vaccination for men" service).
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, a total of 26,398 smallpox cases were registered in the European Union countries from 2022, when the smallpox outbreak began, to 2026. March 12.
More information about smallpox can be found here .
Update date: 2026-04-20
https://nvsc.lrv.lt/lt/naujienos/li...tveji-siemet-priminimas-apie-prevencija-sTht/