For several months, as we know, different ones have been spreading around the world human cases of monkeypox, even if i USEFULL of course they are not those of the Covid pandemic nor can we speak of a pandemic in this case.
Some cases have also been ascertained in Campania, but the situation is not worrying at the moment, although it should be noted that the WHO (the World Health Organization) has declared it a global health emergency. Only one family is in isolation in our region, but we will see shortly what are all the details of this disease in Campania.
Let's explain first, for the uninitiated, what are we talking about.
What is monkeypox
Monkeypox or Moneypox is a infectious disease caused by an Orthopoxvirus, a virus that resembles the one that causes human and bovine smallpox, but it is less diffusive and severe.
Il human smallpox has been declared eradicated in 1980, but that of monkeys exists still endemic in some countries of West and Central Africa. It can infect humans through contact with infected animals.
The situation in Campania
Currently, at the end of July 2022, in Campania there are only 4 confirmed cases according to the report of the National Institute of Health and a Caivano's family is in isolation since a member of the nucleus tested positive. Therefore all family members are kept under observation.
Il the first case found in Campania there was the 15nd June and to date there are only 3 cases, so the situation is well under control compared to other regions such as Lombardy where there are 191 cases.
This first regional case was found in Pozzuoli and it was a 40-year-old man. At the end of July, however, a third case was found in the NATO military base of Gricignano d'Aversa in an individual who in recent days had traveled to Africa.
In none of these cases, however, were there any complications, fortunately.
How monkeypox is transmitted
As mentioned, we get infected with monkeypox through the contact with infected animals, monkeys or small rodents. The cases are as follows:
- through the saliva of the animal (for example, with a bite);
- through bodily fluids, such as blood;
- through direct contact, for example infected meat, usually illegal.
On the other hand, human-to-human contact does not happen easily, but it happens in this way according to the Istituto Superiore di Sanità:
- through contact with infected material that comes from skin lesions or with contaminated objects such as sheets and clothes;
- with prolonged face-to-face contact, then via respiratory droplets;
- it is currently believed that the contagion may have occurred with intimate relationships.
What are the symptoms of monkeypox
According to what was declared by the National Institute of Health, the symptoms are:
- fever;
- muscle aches;
- headache;
- swelling of the lymph nodes;
- tiredness;
- vesicles, pustules, small crusts.
How is monkeypox treated?
The disease is cured spontaneously within 2-4 weeks of infection, resting adequately and without starting precise therapies. If necessary, as assessed by a physician, therapy can be initiated with antivirals, but so far the course has always been benign.
It must in any case protect the fragile population, such as immunosuppressed, children and pregnant women, because they could contract the disease in a severe way.
Are there vaccines against monkeypox?
The human smallpox vaccine, that it also seems suitable for combating monkeypox.
Always according to theIstituto Superiore di Sanita, probably who has been vaccinated against smallpox until 1981 (when vaccination was abolished) is at lower risk of infection. Currently vaccination is not recommended, but post-exposure could ideally be received within four days of exposure and may be considered for those at higher contact risk such as healthcare professionals and laboratory personnel.
The cases in Italy and in Euorpa
As mentioned, the situation is under control, despite the WHO has declared a global health emergency. As of July 26, in Italy there are 426 cases and only in 129 cases were they people who traveled abroad.
In the rest of Europe, on the other hand, the cases are more than 10000 and some governments, based on the number of positives, are considering declaring a national emergency.
Photo source: Cnbc
