Authoritative answer | What is "monkeypox"? What are the transmission routes? How to scientifically respond to monkeypox virus—— Authoritative experts respond to the audience | epidemic | channels
Recently, continuous monitoring has revealed cases of monkeypox virus infection in Beijing, Guangzhou and other places. What is monkeypox virus and how is it spread? How to do a good job of monitoring and reporting for key populations? What symptoms should be treated promptly? In response to social hot topics, the National Health Commission and the National Bureau of Disease Control and Prevention recently organized experts to be interviewed by reporters and specifically responded.
The probability of monkeypox infection in the general population is not high
"Monkeypox is an animal borne disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It has mainly been endemic in West and Central Africa in the past." According to Shi Guoqing, Deputy Director and Researcher of the Health Emergency Center of the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention, about 90 cases of monkeypox are reported globally every week, and the monkeypox epidemic is at a relatively low level. On May 11th this year, the World Health Organization announced that the monkeypox epidemic no longer constitutes an "international public health emergency of concern". Recently, with the increasing trend of monkeypox cases in some Asian countries, a few cases have also appeared in some cities in China.
Since May 2022, there have been outbreaks of monkeypox in many parts of the world. China's disease control institutions attach great importance to it and continue to carry out risk assessments and timely reports by strengthening health quarantine for inbound personnel, monitoring high-risk populations for infection, and monitoring symptoms in medical institutions.
Experts point out that monkeypox virus mainly enters the human body through damaged skin and mucous membranes. As an ordinary citizen, there are few opportunities for interaction, so there is no need to worry too much, let alone panic, and maintain a good mentality.
Shi Guoqing stated that the current outbreak of monkeypox in China has been detected in a timely manner. The next step is to further strengthen education and health monitoring for key populations, timely detect and deal with potential hidden transmission of the epidemic, especially to strengthen health monitoring for high-risk populations with suspected contact history overseas and close contact with them.
Monitoring and reporting of key populations
According to the Monkeypox Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines, entry and exit personnel and those in epidemic areas should pay attention to the epidemic information of monkeypox in their respective countries. In areas where monkeypox is endemic, it is advisable to avoid contact with rodents and primates as much as possible.
At the same time, returning personnel from epidemic areas should pay attention to self health monitoring. When symptoms such as rash appear, they should actively seek medical attention and inform the attending doctor of their travel history to the epidemic area, in order to assist in diagnosis and treatment.
According to Lv Fan, Deputy Director and Researcher of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention's AIDS Prevention Center, individuals with a history of contact and exposure should strengthen their self-health monitoring. Even if symptoms have not yet appeared, they are encouraged to actively contact the local disease control center for consultation and reporting, and if necessary, undergo relevant testing. At the same time, reduce close contact with people around you, especially sexual partners.
Seek medical attention promptly if these symptoms occur
Li Dong, Chief Physician of the Infection Department at Beijing You'an Hospital, once introduced that after being infected with monkeypox virus, the early clinical symptoms of the disease are similar to those of influenza, including fever, chills, headaches, muscle soreness, fatigue, etc. Some infected individuals may feel lethargic and drowsy.
"Generally, rash and lymph node enlargement may occur around three days after the appearance of the above symptoms, including the neck, armpits, groin, head and face, and may also affect limbs, genitals, oral mucosa, etc. Some patients may experience complications, and a very small number of severe cases may develop encephalitis." Li Dong once introduced that if one discovers a history of contact with monkeypox or the corresponding symptoms mentioned above, they should seek medical attention in a timely manner and inform the attending doctor of their contact and exposure history.
Li Dong once said that from a clinical perspective, most cases of monkeypox are mild and common, and can self heal. At present, the main treatment is to do a good job of protective isolation and symptomatic treatment, such as using antipyretic drugs and supplementing fluids when having a fever; After the rupture of acne and herpes, wipe and disinfect with iodine, alcohol, etc. to prevent secondary infection.
