Filenews 21 May 2022
Information to the public about monkey smallpox (Monkeypox) is published by the Ministry of Health through relevant questions and answers.
What is monkey smallpox?
- Monkey smallpox is a rare viral infection caused by a virus related to the human smallpox virus and mostly occurs in tropical regions of Central and Western Africa. It was so named because it was first discovered in a monkey in the late 1950s, while the first case in a human occurred in 1970.
What are the ways of transmission of the disease?
- Primary transmission is described mainly through contact with infected wild animals (primates or rodents) in areas of Central and West Africa or with infected pets.
- Cases of secondary human-to-human transmission are described through the respiratory system after inhalation of large droplets, as well as by contact with skin lesions of the sufferer or with contaminated objects (e.g. bedding or towels used by a patient). In any case, the transmissibility of the disease from person to person is considered small.
- There are rare cases of transmission of the disease after eating meat from an infected animal that was not sufficiently cooked or by contact with the skin or coat of the animal.
Is there a risk of infection by pets?
- There have been cases in the past of transmission of the disease by pets, but after contact of these animals with infected animals from Central or Western Africa. So this risk to our country is extremely small.
How does the disease manifest itself?
- The majority of people infected with the virus show no symptoms. For people who will manifest symptoms these appear 5-21 days after infection (most often about the 12th day). These may include fever, headache, myalgia, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, shivering and weakness. One to three days after the fever, a characteristic rash appears initially as spots and papules, which develop into bubbles and pustules, and then into scabs that eventually subside. It is first localized on the head and face, and then extends to the trunk and limbs, including the palms and soles. It is noted that in some of the recent cases in Europe the rash was initially observed in the perinatal region and then spread to the other parts of the body.
What is the treatment of monkey smallpox?
- The treatment is usually symptomatic. Most patients recover in 2-4 weeks.
- Hospitalization may be needed to treat the symptoms or to prevent the transmission of the disease.
Can I protect myself from disease?
- The most important is to avoid direct or indirect contact with people who have symptoms of the disease. Also, observe the basic measures of personal hygiene (regular hand washing with water and soap or use of an alcoholic antiseptic). Clearly if you travel to central or western African countries you avoid contact with wild animals.
When do I need to contact my personal doctor?
- It is considered very remote to have this disease if you have not recently travelled to Central or West Africa or if you have not been in close contact with someone who suffered from the disease.
- However, contact your personal doctor if you have a bubble rash and: a) You have returned from West or Central Africa in the last 3 weeks, b) You have been in contact with someone who has had monkey smallpox in the last 3 weeks, c) You have been in contact with someone who has had suspicious skin lesions in the last 3 weeks.
