Two cases of monkeypox were found to be of the same sex during surveillance in Guangzhou
On June 10th, two cases of monkeypox were detected during surveillance in Guangzhou. The cases are a 43 year old male and a 29 year old male, respectively. After laboratory testing by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of Guangdong Province and Guangzhou City, as well as review by the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the laboratory results showed a positive nucleic acid test for monkeypox virus. Combined with epidemiological investigations, clinical manifestations, and laboratory test results, the diagnosis was confirmed as a case of monkeypox. The case is currently undergoing isolation and treatment in a designated hospital, with mild symptoms.
After the discovery of the case, the center has guided Guangzhou city to carry out epidemic response work such as epidemiological investigation and medical observation of close contacts in accordance with relevant plans. At present, the risk of monkeypox infection to the public is low. It is recommended that citizens actively learn about monkeypox prevention knowledge and take good health protection measures. If there is a history of suspected contact with animals, individuals, or monkeypox cases, or high-risk behaviors such as same-sex sex, fever, rash, etc., they should seek medical attention proactively and inform the attending doctor of their overseas travel history and contact history to assist in diagnosis and treatment.
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Knowledge promotion of monkeypox prevention and control
How is the global epidemic going?
According to the latest global trend report on monkeypox by the World Health Organization, since January 1, 2022, 111 member countries from all 6 regions of the World Health Organization have reported monkeypox cases to the organization. As of June 5, 2023, a total of 87929 laboratory confirmed cases and 1095 suspected cases, including 146 deaths, have been reported. Except for West and Central African countries, the persistent outbreaks of monkeypox since 2022 are mainly related to male sexual partners who have had sexual intercourse with one or more partners.
2. What are the sources of infection for monkeypox?
The main host of monkeypox virus is African rodents, and infected animals and individuals with monkeypox virus are the main sources of infection.
3. How is monkeypox transmitted?
The monkeypox virus invades the human body through mucous membranes and damaged skin.
Animal to human transmission: People who come into contact with diseased exudates, blood, or other bodily fluids from infected animals, or are bitten or scratched by infected animals, can be infected with monkeypox virus.
Human to human: mainly transmitted through close contact, but can also be transmitted through droplets. Monkeypox virus can also be transmitted from pregnant women to fetuses through the placenta, and sexual transmission cannot be ruled out yet. The multiple cases of monkeypox discovered in 2022, which had undergone same-sex sexual activity before onset, may be mainly related to close contact transmission during sexual activity. It is currently uncertain whether transmission will occur through semen or vaginal secretions.
Physical transmission to humans: It is also possible for humans to become infected when in contact with items contaminated with the virus.
What are the susceptible groups?
The crowd is generally susceptible. Individuals who have received the smallpox vaccine in the past have a certain degree of cross protection against monkeypox virus, while those who have not received the smallpox vaccine are generally susceptible to monkeypox virus.
How long is the incubation period of monkeypox?
The incubation period is 5 to 21 days, mostly 6 to 13 days.
What are the clinical symptoms of monkeypox infection?
Early onset symptoms include fever, chills, headache, drowsiness, fatigue, back pain, and muscle pain. 90% of patients exhibit obvious superficial lymph node enlargement, such as in the neck, armpits, groin, etc.
After 1 to 3 days of onset, a rash may appear. First appearing on the face, gradually spreading to the limbs, rash can appear on the palms and soles of the feet. Rashes go through several stages, including rashes, papules, herpes, pustules, and scabs, and different forms of rashes can coexist. The course of the disease is about 2 to 4 weeks. After the scab falls off, it may leave erythema or pigmentation, and even scars, which can last for several years.
Some patients may experience complications, including secondary bacterial infections at the skin lesion site, severe dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhea, bronchopneumonia, encephalitis, corneal infections, etc.
The clinical manifestations of cases discovered since 2022 are relatively mild and atypical.
How is the prognosis of monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a self limiting disease with a good prognosis in most cases. Severe cases are common in young children and immunocompromised populations, and prognosis is related to the viral branch of infection, degree of virus exposure, previous health status, and severity of complications.
How can individuals prevent monkeypox?
One is to avoid close contact with people who suffer from monkeypox. The second is to avoid direct contact with wildlife in high-risk countries. Avoid capturing, slaughtering, and consuming local animals raw. The third is good hygiene habits. Regularly clean and disinfect, and maintain good hand hygiene.
