Monkeypox: what doctors say

The Ministry of Health and the autonomous communities have launched a health alert following detecting several suspected cases of the monkey pox. The 23 cases detected in men residing in Madrid are pending confirmation by genetic tests carried out at the National Center for Microbiology (CNM). While awaiting the results, the specialists have already begun to share some of the cases they are seeing in their consultations.

Pablo L. Ortiz Romero, professor of dermatology and Head of the Service at the 12 de Octubre University Hospital in Madrid, has shared on his social networks the photograph of a man with obvious signs of monkey pox on your skin, around the genital area. According to the specialist, in one morning — that of May 18 — they have already seen three similar cases and, although they await confirmation of microbiology, they are alert to the situation.

In response to his publication on social networks, the doctor has received many questions from other professional colleagues who were interested in knowing more details regarding these three cases, especially if they are related or if they have recently traveled to Africa. According to the dermatologist, the patient reported not having traveled and assured that they are still trying to find out more information regarding these first three cases.

For his part, Fernando Fariñas Guerrero, from the Institute of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseaseslaments on social networks regarding the “streak” we have had —following suffering the effects of Covid-19 and the hepatitis aguda in children—explaining that monkeypox has been detected in the United Kingdom, Portugal and now Spain with eight cases pending confirmation and samples sent to the National Microbiology Center (CNM). In addition, the specialist attaches a photo with the characteristic sores that causes this skin disease.

The doctor Alejandro Macías has answered the tweet of the specialist in Dermatology Hospital 12 de Octubre to explain that “although it is frightening, monkeypox is not considered highly contagious between people; close contact for transmission breathing or contact with body fluids, such as during sexual intercourse.

What symptoms does monkeypox have?

Monkeypox is a rare disease diagnosed essentially in remote areas of central and western Africa, near tropical forests, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO). The virus is usually transmitted following contact with wild animals such as rodents and primates, but has “limited spread” between humans. This virus produces symptoms similar to those seen in smallpox patients in the past, although less severe. During the first five days following infection, the main ones are fever, severe headache, lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes), low back pain, myalgias (muscle pain) and severe asthenia (lack of energy).

In an explanatory thread regarding this disease, Fernando Fariñas Guerrero recalls that the incubation period for this disease is 10 days and that there is no treatment, although cidofovir might be “potentially useful”. The specialist affirms that the smallpox vaccine might confer protection “up to 85 percent” once morest this disease.

Although it may contain statements, data or notes from health institutions or professionals, the information contained in Medical Writing is edited and prepared by journalists. We recommend the reader that any questions related to health be consulted with a health professional.

Leave a Replay