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National health authorities updated the number of confirmed monkeypox cases this year to 10. The results of another 14 cases under investigation are still pending, as officially reported this morning.
The average age of these ten patients who tested positive for the mpox virus that consulted the health system is between 23 and 49 years, according to data released by the Ministry of Health of the Nation.
So far, the epidemiological investigation of the cases, which must be conducted by the jurisdiction of residence, has determined in four of these patients that they contracted the infection during a trip or were in contact with travelers, while one reported no such history. Information for the other five cases is still not available.
The first diagnostic confirmation for this disease this year was at the end of July, according to data from the National Epidemiological Bulletin (BEN).
So far in 2024 and up to two weeks ago, due to delays in the publication of the BEN, the jurisdictions reported 53 patients with suspected symptoms: fever, pus-filled blisters (pustules) on the body –especially in the genital or perianal area, the torso, and hands– and muscle pain.
Half of the 10 diagnosed cases live in the city of Buenos Aires, while two are from the province of Buenos Aires, one from Corrientes, one from Santa Fe, and one from Río Negro. According to the reported legal sex, there are nine males and one female.
Close physical contact, including sexual relations, remains the primary documented mode of transmission. Transmission occurs through contact with skin lesions or unprotected handling of items that may have been exposed (clothing, bedding, towels, or utensils).
At this time, the risk of transmission is “moderate” in countries outside the epicenter of the monkeypox outbreak in Africa, according to the update on surveillance for this disease maintained by the World Health Organization (WHO). This is “where outbreaks primarily affect men who have sex with men and are mostly spread through sexual contact (associated with clade IIb)” of the virus, which has been detected in the confirmed cases in the country.
The WHO’s international alert a few weeks ago followed the reappearance of cases in countries in June, with an increase in diagnoses compared to the previous month or without new records of the infection after the 2022 outbreak. Argentina had 1,025 cases starting in May of that year when the national reference laboratory confirmed the first diagnosis. During 2023, 124 positives were detected, and so far this year, 10, according to official reports.
The Ministry of Health emphasizes the importance of “avoiding skin-to-skin contact with infected individuals or those showing symptoms like fever, general malaise, or skin lesions.” The health system is also stressing that “suspicion or confirmation of [monkeypox] should be an opportunity to systematically offer testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).”
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Emerging Trends in Monkeypox Monitoring and Public Health Response
As global health authorities remain vigilant against the resurgence of monkeypox, also known as mpox, recent updates reveal a concerning uptick in confirmed cases. This year, the number of reported infections in Argentina has reached 10, with several more under investigation. The average age of those affected falls between 23 and 49 years, underlining the necessity for targeted communication and health education efforts.
Travel history has emerged as a key factor, with some patients indicating prior exposure while traveling or contacting travelers. This highlights the importance of enhanced surveillance, particularly for international travelers. Monitoring methods could evolve to include more robust screening processes at airports and transit hubs, aiming to reduce the potential spread of the virus as global mobility resumes post-pandemic.
Current epidemiological data suggests that a significant number of cases are concentrated within urban areas, emphasizing the need for localized public health measures. Health departments may focus on aggressive community outreach, mobilizing resources to educate residents about the transmission risks, particularly to those engaging in high-risk behaviors. The emphasis on avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals will be crucial, as physical interaction, including sexual contact, remains the principal mode of virus transmission.
Moreover, the evolving landscape of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in relation to monkeypox calls for a comprehensive approach to sexual health services. Public health agencies are likely to enhance preventive measures by integrating routine testing for HIV and other STIs in conjunction with monkeypox screening. This trend will not only streamline patient care but also foster a more holistic understanding of the interconnectedness of infectious diseases.
As the situation continues to develop, health authorities will closely monitor monkeypox transmission dynamics, particularly among specific populations, such as men who have sex with men. Anticipated shifts in epidemiological patterns may prompt updated health advisories from the World Health Organization (WHO) and national ministries of health, emphasizing sustained awareness and preventive actions to mitigate outbreak risks.
In the wake of previous outbreaks, it is evident that collaboration between public health agencies, healthcare providers, and community organizations will be vital. Strengthening these partnerships will enhance response capabilities, improve communication strategies, and ultimately work towards the containment and eventual eradication of monkeypox.