Key Information about Monkeypox

According to the Press Service of the Ministry of Health.

 

         "Monkeypox" is a rare infectious disease characterized by fever, general intoxication, and the appearance of exanthema. The causative agent is a virus belonging to the Poxviridae family. It was first isolated                      in 1958 from infected monkeys. In its structure and properties, it is similar                 to the human smallpox virus.

The source of infection is monkeys. Monkeypox is not highly contagious. However, cases have been and are currently being reported where the infection is transmitted from person to person through prolonged contact (airborne and contact-household transmission routes, including sexual contact). The incubation period lasts from 5 to 21 days. The disease begins acutely with an increase in body temperature, headache, and muscle pain; dizziness, nausea, and vomiting are possible. The subsequent course of the disease is similar to the symptoms of smallpox (rash appearance). Usually, the disease is mild to moderate.

There is no specific vaccine for this infection. Thanks to previously conducted mass vaccination against smallpox, a significant immune layer has been created, which can help curb the spread of monkeypox, as all poxviruses provide good cross-immunity.

As of 06.06.2022, isolated cases of monkeypox infection have been detected in: USA (specific regions), Canada, Argentina, French Guiana, Mexico, Belgium, United Kingdom, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland, Scotland, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Australia, Greece, Portugal, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Benin, Gabon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Central African Republic (updated information can be found on the website of the State Institution "Republican Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health").

Attention: the probability of importing this infection into Belarus is assessed as low, due to the absence of air traffic with most countries of the world.

However, to prevent the import of "monkeypox" into the country, the Ministry of Health                       at the checkpoints on

Sanitary and quarantine control measures have been strengthened at the State Border of the Republic of Belarus. Additional training for healthcare professionals on differential diagnosis of the disease is being conducted. Specialists from the Republican Scientific and Practical Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology are developing test systems for timely diagnosis of the disease.

Important: To avoid getting sick, individuals visiting countries endemic for monkeypox should avoid contact with animals that may be carriers of the virus (rodents and primates) and are advised to consume only thoroughly cooked animal products.

When in contact with individuals arriving from countries where cases of the disease have been recorded and who exhibit symptoms similar to acute respiratory infection, it is necessary to observe basic preventive measures – wear a mask and practice hand hygiene.