Asymptomatic contacts of monkeypox cases “must not donate blood cells, tissues, organs, breast milk or sperm while under surveillance.” This is what the new circular of the Ministry of Health provides Cases of monkeypox. Update on the epidemiological situation and indications for reporting, contact tracing and case management.
The ascertained cases rise to 6. “I have received news of a sixth case of smallpox from monkeys taken care of by the Spallanzani Institute with a link back from the Canary Islands” explains the councilor for health of the Lazio Region, Alessio D’Amato. ” Currently four are hospitalized, all in good clinical condition. One is followed at home. The other is the Tuscan case. The epidemiological investigation continues. No alarm, but the infectious disease surveillance system is in a state of maximum attention “.
“The contacts – reads the circular – must be monitored at least daily for the onset of signs / symptoms referable to MPX for a period of 21 days from the last contact with a patient or with his contaminated materials during the infectious period”. Signs and symptoms include “headache, fever, chills, sore throat, malaise, fatigue, myalgia, back pain, rash and lymphadenopathy”.
Monkeypox cases contacts have to monitor their temperature twice a day. During the 21 days of surveillance, case contacts should avoid contact with immunosuppressed persons, pregnant women and children under 12 years of age.
High probability of sexual transmission
“Given the possible inter-human transmission, even in the absence of travel to endemic areas observed in this event, it is considered that the probability of further spread of the virus through close contact, for example during sexual activities, is considered high” . This is what is highlighted in the new circular of the Ministry of Health ‘Cases of monkeypox. Update on the epidemiological situation and indications for reporting, contact tracing and case management ‘. The likelihood of transmission between individuals without close contact is considered low.
Possible transmission from humans to pets
“Currently, little is known about the suitability of European peri-domestic animal species (mammals) to host the monkeypox virus. However, it is suspected that rodents, and in particular species of the Sciuridae family (squirrels) ), are suitable hosts, more than humans, and transmission from humans to (companion) animals is therefore theoretically possible “. This is what is reported in a new circular from the ministry of health ‘Cases of monkeypox. Update on the epidemiological situation and indications for reporting, contact tracing and case management ‘. “Such a spill-over event – continues the circular – could ultimately lead the virus to settle in European wildlife and the disease to become an endemic zoonosis”.
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