– Switzerland reports first case of monkey pox
As reported on Saturday by BAG, the first case was confirmed in Switzerland. The person concerned was probably infected abroad.
Posted today at 17:17
A patient infected with monkey pox in the Congo. (theme image)
Photo: Keystone
In Switzerland, the first case of monkey pox has been confirmed. This is the case in the canton of Bern, as the cantonal health department announced on Saturday. The case was reported on Friday and confirmed after lab tests.
The laboratory test took place at the University Hospital of Geneva, according to a statement by the Department of Health, Society and Integration of the Canton of Bern. The first suspected case was reported to the Cantonal Medical Service of the Canton of Bern (KAD) and the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG).
KAD immediately started contact tracing to understand possible chains of infection. The person concerned probably had contact with the virus abroad.
fever, malaise, blisters
She was examined by a doctor because of fever, malaise and blisters. The patient is undergoing outpatient treatment and is isolated at home. All contacts were informed by contact tracing, writes KAD.
Since the beginning of May, an unusual accumulation of cases of monkey pox in humans has been observed in several European countries and in the USA. Transmission was likely person-to-person. The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern about the spread of the disease. BAG is monitoring the situation closely, the office writes on its website.
The Office recommends people entering from risk areas such as West and Central Africa to monitor their health for possible symptoms. If an infection is suspected, those affected should be isolated. The result must then be reported to the BAG.
A milder course than smallpox
Monkey pox is a viral infectious disease caused by an orthopoxvirus, the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) writes on its website. In humans, the clinical picture shows some similarity to smallpox (variola).
According to KAD, unlike human smallpox, which has been eradicated since 1980, monkey pox is generally much milder. Most people recover within a few weeks. Overall, a favorable forecast can be made. However, some of those affected are also severely affected.
An infectious disease is transmitted from animals, presumably rodents, to humans (zoonosis). Human-to-human transmission is also possible.
More infections through sexual contact
It is possible that sexual contact with an infected person increases the likelihood of person-to-person transmission, BAG continues the information on its website. Men who have sex with men appear to have an additional risk of contracting them. Currently, the transmission routes are thoroughly researched.
According to the information from KAD, the first symptoms of the disease are fever, headache, muscle and back pain, and swollen lymph nodes. A rash with blisters or smallpox-like pustules appears one to three days after the onset of the fever. The rash usually spreads from the head to the rest of the body. The palms and soles of the feet may also be affected.
According to the BAG, there is no specific vaccine against monkey pox. A third generation vaccine against smallpox would provide good protection against monkey pox. However, this is not allowed in Switzerland. In severe cases, antiviral therapy can also help. However, this treatment is also not currently approved in Switzerland.
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Posted today at 17:17
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