Monkey pox, what to do in case of contact with a positive

According to the latest bulletin of the Ministry of Health, cases of monkeypox in Italy. The infection continues to develop almost exclusively among men – 501 cases – while only four have been recorded among women. After the disease was declared an international public health emergency by the WHO a few days ago, the Ministry of Health considered it appropriate to disseminate a update circular on the situation in Italy, signed by the director general for prevention Gianni Rezza, in which they are also provided some indications to follow to ensure maximum safety in case you discover that you have been in close contact with a positive person.

What to do in case of contact with a positive

The circular specifies that “in specific environmental and epidemiological contexts, based on the assessments of the health authorities, the application of quarantine measures may be required“. THE close contacts they must be “identified as soon as possible and informed of your exposure and the risk of developing the infection“. If it is asymptomatichowever, it is possible continue their daily activities without having to undergo quarantine, as long as you keep your health monitored.

For close contacts, they come in surveillance regime, it is indicated to avoid donating blood, cells, tissues, organs, breast milk or sperm. In addition, it is advised to check for fever twice a day and to pay attention to symptoms such as headache, back pain, lymphadenopathy, or rash of unknown cause during the 21 days after the last exposure. For the same period, it is also recommended to refrain from sexual activities and avoid contact with immunocompromised people, children under 12, pregnant women and pets. After 21 days, provided that no complications have arisen, it is possible to naturally exit the surveillance regime. For the low risk contacts instead it is sufficient “adopt passive surveillance, self-check and inform your family doctor“.

The vaccine and Spallanzani

According to what was communicated by the Lazio region, the vaccine of smallpox for monkeys involves a first dose and a booster to be given after an interval of 2-3 months. While waiting for the European Medicines Agency (Ema) to give the green light to the use of the smallpox vaccine Imvanex also for monkeypox, Handle reports that the Lazarus Institute for Infectious Diseases Spallanzani From Rome Sara “soon ready to go with the smallpox vaccine for monkeypox”, As announced by the councilor for health of the Lazio region, Alessio D’Amato.

“Spallanzani has offered its willingness to be a regional reference center for vaccination for Monkeypox – declared the general manager of Spallanzani Francesco Vaia -. We have also offered our expertise, also with the contribution of associations, for a correct information campaign“.