The measure was approved last Monday; Brazil adds 7,019 cases and two deaths
The diagnostic test for monkeypox was included by National Supplementary Health Agency (ANS) in the list of procedures that must be the subject of private health plans. The provision appears in a new regulatory resolution approved on Monday 19.
Internationally known as monkeypox, monkeypox is endemic to regions of Africa and has become a health problem due to its spread to several countries since May. In Brazil there are already 7,019 cases and two deaths, according to data released on Tuesday morning, 20, by the Ministry of Health.
According to the regulatory ruling, plans must cover evidence from beneficiaries presenting a medical indication. The examination is performed starting from fluid samples taken directly from the lesions that occur on the skin, using a swab [cotonete estéril] dry. Analyzes detect the presence of the virus causing the disease.
According to a note released by the ANS, the incorporation of the test is part of the dynamic process of reviewing the list, which has already been modified 12 times in 2022, guaranteeing the mandatory coverage of 11 procedures and 20 drugs. Changes to the upgrade process were approved last year. Until then, the list was renewed every 2 years.
With the modification, the proposals have begun to be analyzed on an ongoing basis by the technical area of the ANS, which evaluates various criteria such as proven clinical benefits, alignment with national health policies and the relationship between cost and effectiveness.
“The inclusion of the complementary examination in the list of compulsory coverages was done in an extraordinary way, given the scenario of the disease that currently places Brazil among the six countries with the highest number of confirmed cases in the world”, records the release. . from the ANS.
Streaming
There are two known strains of monkeypox. One of these, considered more dangerous because it has a mortality rate of up to 10%, is endemic to the Congo Basin region. The other, which has a mortality rate of between 1% and 3%, is endemic to West Africa and is what has been found in other countries in this current outbreak.
It usually produces mild clinical conditions and is caused by a poxvirus of the subgroup orthopoxvirus, as is the case with other diseases such as cowpox and smallpox, which was eradicated in Brazil in 1980 after massive vaccination campaigns.
Monkeypox was first described in humans in 1958. At the time, monkeys were also affected and died. Hence the name of the disease. However, in the transmission cycle, they are victims like humans. In nature, wild rodents probably represent the animal reservoir of the virus.
Between people, transmission occurs through direct contact, such as kissing or hugging, or through infectious wounds, scabs, or body fluids, in addition to respiratory secretions. The virus incubation time ranges from 5 to 21 days. The most characteristic symptom is the formation of rashes and painful lumps on the skin. Fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and weakness may also occur.
Symptoms
After contamination, the first symptoms appear between 6 and 16 days. The lesions progress to the scab stage, drying out and falling off after a period of 2 to 4 weeks. The greatest risk of worsening is in immunosuppressed people with HIV / AIDS, transplant recipients, people with autoimmune diseases, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, children under the age of 8, and patients with leukemia, lymphoma or metastases.
The first occurrences of this international outbreak began in May in Europe and the United States. According to the latest bulletin of the World Health Organization (WHO), released on 7 September, 52,996 have already been reported in 102 countries. 18 deaths were reported. In July, WHO declared monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern.
There is no specific treatment for the disease. As a prevention, the affected person should be isolated until all wounds have healed. It is also recommended to avoid contact with any material that has been used by the infected. Another measure indicated by the health authorities is hand hygiene, washing them with soap and water or using alcohol gel.
Although smallpox vaccines are effective in fighting the smallpox epidemic in monkeys, there is, for the moment, no prediction on a mass immunization campaign, given the need to produce doses on a worldwide scale. As recommended by the WHO, priority should be given to healthcare professionals and laboratory researchers. In August, the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) gave the green light to Brazil to import the immunizing agent. / BRAZIL AGENCY
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Source: Terra
Benjamin Smith is a fashion journalist and author at Gossipify, known for his coverage of the latest fashion trends and industry insights. He writes about clothing, shoes, accessories, and runway shows, providing in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. He’s respected for his ability to spot emerging designers and trends, and for providing practical fashion advice to readers.
