In brief

First case of monkey pox virus in the Principality

variole du singe
All rights reserved

A first case of monkey pox has been detected in Monaco and initial measures are being taken.

1000 cases of monkey pox have already been detected in France. In the Principality, a first case has just been detected and three other patients may also be infected. On Wednesday, Monaco Info invited Olivia Keïta-Perse, Head of the Epidemiology and Health Hygiene Department at the CHPG, to provide more details on this little-known virus.

Advertising

“It is a disease that is essentially cutaneous in presentation, resulting in sores on the skin that resemble chicken pox sores,” explains Oliva Keïta-Perse. These lesions then form a crust and fall off. It is a viral disease that is generally not dangerous except in rare cases. “In a few cases, which have not yet been observed in France, there may be complications such as pulmonary pathologies and encephalitis,” the doctor adds.

SEE ALSO: Covid-19 numbers are on the rise

“Anyone can catch the disease. The virus is transmitted in close contact situations, from skin to skin or from mucous membrane to mucous membrane. There is a droplet or airborne transmission element,” the specialist warns.

What should people do if sores appear? “They can go to the hospital or talk to their doctor,” advises Dr. Keïta-Perse.

Initial measures are being taken in the Principality. “The Government has asked for vaccines, it is possible to envisage vaccination in Monaco,” concludes the head of department at the CHPG.