The ARS of Corsica informs of the occurrence of a first confirmed case of monkeypox (commonly called monkeypox) in Corsica.
A few days ago, a person with mild symptoms consistent with monkeypox was seen. His condition shows no signs of seriousness.
This is an adult with no history of travel to a country where the virus is circulating.
An in-depth epidemiological investigation was carried out by teams from Public Health France and ARS Corsica, in conjunction with the doctor who treated this person.
People who have been in close contact with this patient have been identified. They have received information from the health authorities on what to do to limit the spread of the virus and management measures have been implemented.
What is monkey pox (Monkeypox)?
Monkeypox is an infectious disease caused by an Orthopoxvirus. This zoonotic disease is usually transmitted to humans in forest areas of Central and West Africa by wild rodents or primates, but human-to-human transmission is also possible, particularly within the family home or in the care setting.
How is it transmitted?
The monkeypox virus can be transmitted by direct contact with lesions on the skin or mucous membranes of a sick person, as well as by droplets (saliva, sneezing, sputter, etc.). Sexual intercourse, with or without penetration, meets these conditions for contamination, and having several partners increases the risk of being exposed to the virus.
Contamination can also occur through contact with the patient’s environment (bedding, clothing, dishes, bath linen, etc.). It is therefore important that the patients observe isolation throughout the duration of the disease (until the disappearance of the last scabs, most often 3 weeks).
In Central or West Africa, humans can also become infected through contact with animals, wild or in captivity, dead or alive, such as rodents or monkeys.
Infection with monkeypox virus is not known as an STI, but direct contact with broken skin during sexual intercourse facilitates transmission.
What are the symptoms ?
Infection with monkeypox virus can cause a blistering rash, made up of fluid-filled blisters that progress to drying, scabbing and then scarring. Itching may occur. The vesicles are more concentrated on the face, in the ano-genital area, the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, can be present but also on the trunk and the limbs. The mucous membranes are also affected, in the mouth and the genital area. This rash can be accompanied by fever, headache, body aches and asthenia. Lymph nodes may be swollen and painful, under the jaw, in the neck or in the fold of the groin. Sore throats are also reported.
The incubation of the disease can range from 5 to 21 days. The fever phase lasts regarding 1 to 3 days. The disease most often heals spontaneously, following 2 to 3 weeks but sometimes 4 weeks.
Is smallpox of the sign serious?
The disease is more severe in children and in immunocompromised people. It can be complicated by superinfection of skin lesions or by respiratory, digestive, ophthalmological or neurological disorders.
At this stage, the cases reported in Europe are mostly mild, and there are no reported deaths.