In Portugal, 37 cases of infection by the monkeypox virus, responsible for the disease known as monkeypox, have already been confirmed. The number was given to the Observer by Margarida Tavares, director of the priority health program in the area of ​​sexually transmitted infections and human immunodeficiency virus infection. There are more suspected cases awaiting results.

Thirty-five of these cases were detected in the Lisbon region and the Tagus Valley. There is a positive case in the North region and another in the Algarve. According to the General Directorate of Health (DGS), which has since confirmed the data in a statement, all the samples belong to the less aggressive subgroup of the monkeypox virus, the one that circulates in West Africa.

There are 14 more confirmed cases over the weekend, due to tests carried out at the Doctor Ricardo Jorge National Institute of Health (INSA). The latest balance of the health authorities, officially published on Friday, pointed to a total of 23 cases of infection by the monkeypox virus since an outbreak of monkeypox was detected in Portugal.

Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) until 1:00 p.m. on May 21 shows almost 100 cases identified in 12 countries where the disease is not endemic: Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy , Netherlands, Portugal. , Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States. The countries that reported the most cases to international health authorities are Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom.

However, this Monday, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) confirmed that there are 85 confirmed cases in the European Union and recommended that countries update the means of detection and diagnosis.

In a risk assessment report cited by Lusa, the ECDC calls on countries to “focus on rapid identification, management, contact tracing and notification of new cases of monkeypox.” And he has already warned that countries must identify and isolate confirmed cases of contagion.

The World Health Organization relativized the situation by guaranteeing that, outside the countries where the situation is endemic, it is possible to stop transmission: “It can be contained.”

In Portugal, the DGS warned that anyone with ulcers, rashes and palpable lymph nodes, possibly accompanied by fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches and tiredness, should seek medical help. People with symptoms consistent with monkeypox should refrain from direct physical contact with others and from sharing clothing, towels, sheets, and personal items while they have symptoms.

Belgium imposes quarantine

The recommendations or even mandatory isolation are already being applied in other countries. In the UK, health authorities have recommended isolating high-risk contacts (anyone who has been in direct contact with or resides with a confirmed case of monkeypox) for 21 days.

In the case of Belgium, the country, which had four confirmed cases this Monday, even becomes the first to implement a mandatory three-week quarantine for confirmed cases of contagion.

UK reports 36 more cases

The UK has recorded 36 more cases of monkeypox in the last few hours, bringing the total to 56 since the start of the outbreak. Scotland reported its first infection, while the remaining infections were reported from England. According to Sky News, the British health authorities, this outbreak is “significant and worrying”, although the risk to the population is low.