Health ministry issues monkeypox guidelines for public

No case of monkeypox has been confirmed in Cyprus, the health ministry said on Tuesday, explaining that infection risk is moderate for people with multiple sexual partners and low for the general population.

While epidemiological research continues, most of the reported cases to date have been identified through sexual health clinics or other health services and affect those with a history of travel between European and North American countries.

Confirmed cases amount to 1,217 and 87 per cent come from the European region of the WHO. The ministry also notes that 141 cases have been reported from the Americas, 14 from the Eastern Mediterranean and six from the Western Pacific.

The highest numbers in the European region have been reported in the UK with 336 cases, Spain (198), Portugal (191), and Germany (113). Canada has reported 101 cases, the US 37, and the UAE 13.

According to the relevant ministry, as the situation evolves, the WHO expects that there will be more cases identified as surveillance is extended.

At present, the likelihood of monkeypox spreading to people with multiple sexual partners in the EU/EEA is considered high.

Although most will experience mild symptoms, monkeypox virus can cause severe illness in certain population groups, such as young children, pregnant women, immunosuppressed or immunocompromised people. The likelihood of cases of severe morbidity cannot yet be accurately assessed.

The ministry cautions the public to adopt the following self-protection measures:

-avoiding sexual contact with anyone who has a local rash and limiting the number of sexual partners

-avoiding close contact with anyone showing symptoms consistent with a possible infection

-frequent hand washing with soap and water or disinfection with alcohol-based gel

-maintaining protection measures against respiratory diseases such as masking and distancing

The health ministry advises the public to contact their doctor or visit the nearest emergency department in the event of the following:

– symptoms such as a blistering rash on the face, hands, feet, eyes, mouth and/or genital region

-swollen lymph nodes and muscle aches

-positive result in a test for viruses of the Orthopoxvirus genus

-an epidemiological link with a confirmed or possible case of monkeypox 21 days after travel to a country where monkeypox is endemic

– sexual contact with a person who is known to have multiple or unknown sexual partners in the 21 days prior to the onset of symptoms

If the case is found to be suspected monkeypox, the patient will be referred for specialist examination to the reference hospitals, that is, Nicosia General Hospital for adults and Makarios hospital for children.

Further information can be obtained by visiting the ministry website at https://bit.ly/3OcXOBG

Contact telephones: 22605678, 22605456, 22421600 (8 am-8 pm)

Email: [email protected]