2024-08-22 00:37:34
This Wednesday, August 21, the Ministry of Public Health confirmed that No cases of the new variant of monkeypox have been recordedformerly known as monkeypoxin it country. In addition, the entity presented a Action plan and recommendations on MPOX in Guatemalain case of facing a positive case.
The Ministry of Health reported that there have been no cases of the new variant of monkeypox in Guatemala
Through a press release, the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance —MSPAS— reported that, to date, no cases of the new variant of monkeypox, known as clade 1b, have been registered in the country. Likewise, the MSPAS presented a Action plan and recommendations on MPOX in Guatemala to face any eventuality.
Action plan and recommendations on mpox in Guatemala
The MSPAS action plan is divided into two main components: epidemiological surveillance and diagnosis and treatment. Both are crucial for the rapid identification and management of any possible case of mpox in the country.
Epidemiological surveillance
- Active surveillance is maintained for early identification of suspected cases.
- There are communication protocols with neighboring countries and international health authorities.
Diagnosis and treatment:
- The National Health Laboratory is prepared to perform diagnostic testing on patients with skin lesions suspected of monkeypox.
- The health system is prepared to provide supportive care for suspected cases of monkeypox.
Recommendations from the Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Public Health recommends that Guatemalans be alert to the following symptoms:
- Skin rashes: These usually start on the face and can spread to other parts of the body, especially the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Rashes may be itchy or painful, and go through several stages before forming scabs that then fall off, leaving scars.
- Headache
- Shivers
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Exhaustion
- Fever
It is important to consider the forms of transmission to take the necessary precautions when observing the symptoms mentioned. Infection can occur through close contact with an infected person, including skin-to-skin contact and sexual relations. The virus can also enter the body through lesions in the skin, respiratory tract, eyes, nose or mouth.
If you have any of these symptoms, the MSPAS recommends going to the national health services network as soon as possible, covering the injuries until they are completely healed, and staying at home after diagnosis.
WHO: “Mpox is not the new Covid-19”
On August 14th, the World Health Organization —WHO— declared a public health emergency of international concern —ESPII— due to the monkeypox outbreak in Africawhere the clade 1b variant has shown rapid spread in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and has been detected in neighbouring countries.
The emergency, however, should not be compared to Covid-19, said Dr Hans Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe. Kluge stressed that “mpox is not the new Covid-19” and stressed that the risk to the general population is low.
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