Monkey pox: Valenciennes hospital speeds up vaccination

Faced with the rise in positive cases of monkeypox on the territory, the Valenciennes hospital center has opened a vaccination center since July 12. Where we get a little more active each week.

The arrival of monkeypox on French soil is still surprising, even worrying. What is it really? Although its home is mainly in Africa, in propagation
is not related to travel to this region. Moreover, France has already had to deal with the ” Monkeypox “: a large vaccination operation was carried out between 1955 and 1977. Symptoms remain those of classic smallpox (fever, red pimples forming a crust…). We usually recover in a few weeks, the mortality rate remains very low, children and pregnant women are more affected by serious forms.

Transmission can occur through contact between animals and humans, a bite. But contact between humans is not without risk. Several cases arise: prolonged contact with respiratory drops, direct contact with bodily fluids (blood, saliva, etc.), skin lesions or mucous membranes. As a reminder, monkeypox is not a sexually transmitted disease. The condom is therefore not a protection.

A dozen cases in the sector

Monkey pox does not spare the Valenciennes. According to Dr. Clotilde Fontier, “ a dozen cases have already been identified “. A figure that follows the national trend, with 2,239 cases this Friday, including 89 cases in our region.

Although the launch took a little time, vaccination today is taking off: “ At first, we had a few doses. This August 5, we have 80, enough for 70 scheduled patients. 120 doses are planned for next week “, explains Dr. Fontier. And despite the departures on vacation, the caregivers remain mobilized: “ Many doctors and interns volunteer to help “, she attests. For the doctor, prevention becomes more than necessary: ​​“ The virus affects us all. You have to be vigilant, the transmission can be done by simple touching or with laundry. »