With the increasing cases of the disease, some precautions are important to protect yourself from it.
From January to the first week of September 2024, Brazil has recorded 1,015 confirmed or probable cases of monkeypox (formerly known as ape pox), according to the latest weekly report from the Ministry of Health. The number already exceeds the 853 recorded at the time. during the previous year, highlighting a growing spread of the disease. In addition to the confirmed cases, the country is still investigating 426 suspicious reports, which is keeping health authorities on alert.
THE mbox It is not formally considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but it can be transmitted in sexual contact settings. “Transmission occurs mainly through direct contact with skin lesions, body fluids or contaminated surfaces. This can include sexual intercourse, but transmission can also occur through non-sexual contact, such as sharing personal objects,” explains Dr. Stefânia Bazanelli Prebianchi, Infectious Diseases Specialist at the Center of Excellence in Medicine (CEM), in São Paulo.
This detail is important because MPOX has been observed in some populations where physical proximity, including sexual interactions, favors its spread. “Although it is not a sexually transmitted disease, the fact that MPOX is transmitted through close contact explains its relationship with situations of physical intimacy,” adds the specialist.
Symptoms of smallpox
As the doctor explains, before the skin lesions appear, the individual may have nonspecific symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, general malaise, headache, and sore throat. “When skin lesions appear, they may resemble a pimple/ulcer on different parts of the body (not just the genital areas) and, after a few days/weeks, evolve into crusts,” he says.
According to Dr. Stefania Bazanelli Prebianchi, most cases of the disease are not serious, but require attention due to the risk of complications in the most vulnerable groups.
Age group and regions most affected
The most affected age group continues to be men between 18 and 39 years old, who represent more than 70% of confirmed cases. However, the Ministry of Health warns that cases of infection are being recorded in children from 0 to 4 years old, a factor that increases the authorities’ concern about surveillance and preventive measures in public and family spaces.
The southeastern region of the country is the most affected, with 80.9% of confirmed cases. The state of São Paulo alone has 533 cases, followed by Rio de Janeiro, with 224, and Minas Gerais, with 56. The concentration of cases in these areas reflects, in part, the greater population density and ease of large-scale spread. urban centers.
Despite the significant increase in cases, the Ministry of Health has specified that, to date, there have been no deaths due to this disease. illness in 2024. “The good news is that the management of mpox has been effective in most cases, with few patients requiring hospitalization. However, we remain vigilant, especially to adopt measures that can prevent the spread of the disease,” explains Dr. Stefania Bazanelli Prebianchi.
Smallpox Prevention
Prevention remains the best strategy to contain the spread of the virus. “Isolate people with confirmed cases of infection, avoid contact with skin lesions, use protections such as masks and gloves in hospital environments, wash your hands well and, as soon as vaccines are available, to vaccinate the population against smallpox. Furthermore, rapid identification of cases is essential to prevent epidemics and, therefore, the population must be very well informed and seek care promptly if signs or symptoms of the disease appear. [aparecer]”, he adds.
Although the new variant of the virus (1b), identified in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has not yet been detected in Brazil, the authorities maintain epidemiological surveillance for any mutation that could affect the transmission or severity of the disease.
The medical community and public health agencies remain mobilized and recommend that when symptoms appear, people seek immediate medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.
By Annette Morhy
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
