There have already been more than fifty monkeypox infections since the outbreak of the epidemic in Luxembourg.
THE SITUATION IN LUXEMBOURG
Up to and including 7 September 2022, 54 cases of monkeypox have been detected in Luxembourg, which represents an increase of 1 case since last weekannounces the Ministry of Health in its latest weekly bulletin.
So far “all detected cases are male with an average age of 37 years. Three cases were hospitalized for a short time and have meanwhile been discharged from hospital. The other epidemiological and clinical characteristics of cases detected in Luxembourg are very similar to cases reported at European level.“
VACCINATION IN LUXEMBOURG
Vaccination against monkeypox for certain people at risk began at the National Service for Infectious Diseases (Tel.: 4411 3129 for appointment) on August 16, 2022. Last week, vaccination was also offered at the dispensary. DropIn for sex workers.
Until September 7, 2022, 527 people were vaccinated : 522 people received a first dose and 5 people a second dose.
The recommendation of the Higher Council for Infectious Diseases of August 24, 2022 provides administration of a single dose to persons who have received a previous vaccination against smallpox with a live 1st or 2nd generation vaccine (people born before 1977 or who have a typical vaccination scar on the arm). In these cases, a single dose will therefore be given in the future. Patients who do not fall into this category will continue to receive two doses of the vaccine.
The Health Department reminds us that it is important to protect yourself against the virus and to avoid risky situations in order to limit the spread of the virus. Infected people should be isolated and avoid contact with other people, cover lesions and pimples and practice hand hygiene. Among the protective measures, it is advisable to reduce the number of sexual partners and not to share personal effects with infected people or who have been in contact with infected people (bed linen, towel, razor, etc.) .
THE SITUATION IN EUROPE
As of September 6, 2022, in 43 countries and areas in the European region, a total of 23,196 cases of monkeypox have been reported to health authorities.
The first known case dated March 7, 2022. The earliest date of onset of symptoms was reported on April 3, 2022. The majority of cases were between the ages of 31 and 40 and were male. Of the 9,682 male cases whose sexual orientation was known, 97% identified themselves as men who have sex with men.
Among the cases whose HIV status was known, 37% were HIV-positive. The majority of cases presented with a rash and systemic symptoms such as fever, fatigue, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, sore throat or headache. 638 cases were hospitalized (6%), including 212 who required clinical care. Five cases were admitted to the intensive care unit, including three died of monkeypox. To date, 87 cases have been reported as healthcare workers, three of which had occupational exposure. In all three cases, healthcare workers were wearing the recommended personal protective equipment, but were exposed to body fluids while collecting samples.