The Ministry of Health of the Nation announced on Thursday that it has decided to strengthen epidemiological surveillance for the detection, isolation, and tracking of monkeypox (mpox) cases. The first occurrence of the new strain outside Africa was recorded on Thursday in a Swedish man who had traveled to that continent.
“Recommendations have been reinforced according to the guidelines of the International Health Regulations to alert all border references at the points of land entry, ports, and airports in case of suspicions,” the national health department explained in a statement issued this evening.
“This information is supplementary to the controls that are being carried out at the various entry points to the country,” sources from the Ministry told Clarion. If any suspected case is detected, the protocol will be activated to isolate the individual attempting to enter Argentine territory.
This Thursday, Fátima Matute, the Minister of Health of the Community of Madrid, requested that controls be strengthened at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport to prevent the entry of new mpox variants.
The Argentine Ministry of Health also reported that, to date, no cases of the new variant of monkeypox have been registered in the country, despite the World Health Organization declaring an international emergency on Wednesday.
According to the latest National Epidemiological Bulletin published on August 12, during 2024, 5 cases of monkeypox were confirmed in Argentina out of a total of 39 reported cases. No deaths have been recorded.
“The WHO’s alert was issued after the identification of a new variant of the mpox virus, Clade Ib, in Africa, which has not yet been identified in the Americas. This new variant is associated with sustained transmission and the emergence of cases in a broader range of age groups than in previous outbreaks, including children,” stated the Ministry of Health.
The Ministry added: “The clade identified in the country so far is Clade II, the same one recorded since the disease began circulating in Argentina in 2022,” at which time the WHO declared the first global emergency, later brought under control.
Clade II is circulating in more than 30 countries in the region and in various countries worldwide. Of the cases documented so far in Argentina, three have a travel history or contact with travelers, while one case has no travel history and the other is under epidemiological investigation. All cases present symptoms such as fever, myalgia, and primarily the presence of vesicular rashes in different body areas (including genitals, perianal areas, hands, and torso).
Symptoms and Prevention for Monkeypox
The most common symptoms of monkeypox include lesions on the skin and mucous membranes, which can be painful. These lesions may appear in the genital, paragenital, or perianal regions, on the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, or the trunk. The number of lesions can vary from a few localized spots to multiple lesions spread across different areas.
Authorities are urging people to be alert for symptoms of monkeypox. Photo: UK Health / Monkeypox Rash PhotosSources from the Ministry of Health explained that “initially, the lesions appear flat, then fill with fluid, crust over, dry out, and eventually fall off, allowing a new layer of skin to form underneath. Symptoms such as pain or bleeding from the rectum, swollen glands, fever, headache, muscle or back pain, and fatigue or weakness may also occur.”
“The symptoms usually last two to three weeks and often resolve on their own or with supportive care, such as medications for pain or fever,” the ministry added.
They concluded: “If you have had close contact with a person who has monkeypox or suspect you may have it, or if you display compatible symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly, avoid close contact with others, and wash your hands frequently. Do not share personal items such as sheets, towels, clothing, and utensils.”
The Strengthening of Epidemiological Surveillance for Monkeypox (Mpox) Detection in Argentina
The Ministry of Health of Argentina has taken significant steps to strengthen epidemiological surveillance aimed at the detection, isolation, and tracing of monkeypox (mpox) cases. This move comes in the wake of the first reported case of a new strain outside Africa, observed in a Swedish man who had recently traveled to the continent.
Enhanced Surveillance Measures
To tackle the potential threat of mpox, the Ministry has announced rigorous measures, reinforcing recommendations based on the guidelines set by the International Health Regulations. Alerts for suspected cases will be communicated to all border references at key points of land entry, ports, and airports. This proactive approach is designed to preemptively identify any potential cases before they can spread within the country.
“There is information that is added to the existing controls being carried out at various entry points into Argentina,” officials explained in a statement provided to Clarion. Should any suspicious cases be detected, established protocols for isolation will be activated to protect public health.
Collaboration with International Entities
On the same day, Fátima Matute, the Minister of Health of the Community of Madrid, emphasized the need to strengthen controls at the Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport. This international cooperation reflects a united front against the entry of new mpox variants, ensuring that all regions remain vigilant in preventing the virus’s spread.
Current Status of Mpox in Argentina
The Argentine Ministry of Health confirmed that no cases of the virus have been recorded within the country as of now, despite the international alarm regarding the new variant of monkeypox, which prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare an international emergency on Wednesday.
According to the National Epidemiological Bulletin dated August 12, there were five confirmed cases of monkeypox in Argentina during 2024, sourced from a total of 39 reported cases, all of which reported no fatalities.
Understanding the New Mpox Variant
The WHO has raised concerns about the identification of a new variant of the mpox virus, Clade Ib, in Africa. This variant has not yet been detected in the Americas, but it is associated with the potential for sustained transmission and cases emerging across broader age ranges, including children. As of now, the clade identified in Argentina remains Clade II, which has been associated with early instances of monkeypox in the country, first noted in 2022.
Clade II has already spread across more than 30 countries, ensuring that monitoring remains critical. Of the confirmed cases in Argentina, three have a travel history or a connection with travelers, whereas one case lacks a travel history, and one case is still undergoing epidemiological investigation. Typical symptoms include fever, myalgia, and characteristic vesicular rashes in various body areas, including genitals, perianal regions, hands, and torso.
Symptoms of Monkeypox
Recognizing the symptoms of monkeypox is crucial for quick intervention. The most common symptoms include:
- Skin and mucous membrane lesions, which can be painful.
- Lesions commonly appear on the face, genitals, and limbs.
- Initial lesions are flat, eventually filling with fluid before crusting over and healing.
- Accompanying symptoms may involve fever, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.
These symptoms typically last for two to three weeks and can resolve independently or with supportive care, such as medication for pain or fever.
Benefits of Early Detection and Reporting
Early detection of mpox is essential to prevent outbreaks. Here are some key benefits of enhancing surveillance:
- Rapid Response: Quick identification and management of suspected cases can curb potential outbreaks.
- Public Awareness: Heightened public awareness enables individuals to seek medical advice if they exhibit symptoms.
- Decreased Transmission: Isolating infectious individuals helps minimize their contact with healthy people, reducing the virus’s spread.
- International Cooperation: Collaborative efforts enhance overall global health security through shared knowledge and resources.
Practical Tips for Individuals
In light of the ongoing situation, individuals can take proactive steps against monkeypox:
- Stay informed about the latest updates and developments regarding monkeypox.
- If you’ve had close contact with someone diagnosed with monkeypox or exhibit symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.
- Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently, especially after contact with others.
- Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, bedding, and utensils.
- Isolate yourself from others if you show symptoms to prevent further transmission.
Conclusion
The Argentine Ministry of Health’s measures to enhance epidemiological surveillance reflect a robust approach to controlling monkeypox’s spread. By improving detection, isolation, and case tracing, the country aims to safeguard public health against potential infections. Continuous collaboration with international agencies and communities is crucial in the fight against contagious diseases like monkeypox.
For anyone feeling unwell or experiencing symptoms associated with monkeypox, it is vital to take precautionary steps and consult healthcare professionals. Together, we can contribute to a safer, healthier community.
Helpful Resources:
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Argentine Ministry of Health
