There have been confirmed cases of monkeypox all over the world. The Department of Health said today (22nd) that there have been more than 80 cases in the world recently, affecting more than 10 countries, mainly in Europe. Young men, some of whom have MSM, have symptoms of genital damage.
The authorities have informed the Hospital Authority and believe the current risk to Hong Kong is low.
Respiratory system expert Liang Zichao said in an interview with Hong Kong 01 that monkeypox is not highly contagious and the general risk is low.
The virus usually spreads in a specific group of people and has a close distance; plus the currently popular variety is the milder monkeypox variety in West Africa, so the public need not worry too much.
At present, there are "improved" cowpox vaccines around the world, or oral drugs that suppress monkeypox are used. I believe that there is no problem.
The Department of Health has notified the HA of the incident
Au Jiarong, chief doctor of the Infectious Diseases Division of the Centre for Health Protection, said at a press conference on the new crown epidemic today that he is closely watching the suspected outbreak of monkeypox in Europe.
He pointed out that the WHO announced that the UK first appeared, with imported cases in early May, and about 20 cases since then. The first case with no epidemiological connection was a person who had travelled to areas affected by monkeypox, including Central Africa or West Africa. .
There are currently more than 80 cases worldwide. In some investigations, more than 10 countries are affected, mainly in Europe.
Au Jiarong said that according to the WHO's preliminary information, this outbreak mainly affects young men, some of whom have sex with men, and the symptoms are damaged in the reproductive organs. Therefore, the WHO suspects that it is transmitted through sexual contact and will closely monitor the situation.
He said that at present, Hong Kong has port health measures. If you have symptoms, you will be admitted to the hospital. He has notified the Hospital Authority and the two sides will keep in touch. He stressed that the center has the ability to detect cases.
Au Ka-wing, chief doctor of the Infectious Diseases Division of the Centre for Health Protection, said that according to the information released by the WHO last week, the initial assessment is that the risk to Hong Kong is low.
(Photo by O Jiale)
Cowpox is spread through close contact
Liang Zichao said that monkeypox and smallpox belong to the same virus family. Although the virus was first discovered in monkeys, it is generally transmitted through mammals.
Monkeypox can be transmitted intermittently from animals to humans and then from humans to humans.
He continued that monkeypox is transmitted through close contact, including body fluids, droplets, and wounds. It has not been confirmed that it is transmitted through sexual contact, but the possibility is not ruled out.
The initial symptoms of monkeypox infection are similar to those of the flu, with fever and upper respiratory tract infection.
Two to three days after infection, the patient develops a rash on the face, hands, and feet.
Symptoms are generally mild, and very few patients have multiple organ problems.
Liang Zichao: The increase in the population of transnational tourism leads to global spread
Liang Zichao pointed out that monkeypox is mainly endemic in Central Africa and West Africa, and rarely spreads outside Africa.
However, more than 10 countries have recently reported cases at the same time, which he believes is related to the relaxation of social distancing measures in various countries, the density of social activities and the increase in the population of cross-border tourists.
Coupled with the fact that countries are now stepping up their surveillance of the virus, cases have gradually emerged.
Liang Zichao said that monkeypox is not highly contagious and generally has a low risk.
The virus usually spreads in a specific group of people and close distances.
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He said that the currently popular varieties are the milder varieties of monkeypox in West Africa, so the public need not worry too much, and monkeypox is not highly contagious, and it usually spreads among specific groups of people, and only spreads in close distances.
He continued that monkeypox in Central and West Africa will "break itself" and evolve into an endemic disease; in addition, monkeypox is not as fatal as smallpox, with a 30% fatality rate, and no serious cases of monkeypox have been found in the world. People who use the "improved" cowpox vaccine or use oral medicines that inhibit monkeypox are believed to have little problem.
Leung said that although the overall risk of monkeypox to Hong Kong is low and no related cases have been reported, imported cases should still be prevented.
In particular, people arriving in Hong Kong from countries with cases and high-risk groups, including gay men, should pay more attention to the above symptoms.
He also pointed out that the symptoms of monkeypox are obvious, and it should not be easy to leak cases.
If the hospital finds a suspected case, it can report it as soon as possible, and arrange for the patient or close contact to have a rapid monkeypox test.
The government can also introduce a vaccine against monkeypox in case of emergency, but emphasizes that it is not necessary to require all citizens to be vaccinated against monkeypox like the new crown pneumonia.
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