Reuters
NOS News•
The monkeypox virus has now been diagnosed in 549 people in the Netherlands, the RIVM reports. That is an increase of 46 from last Monday, when there were still 503 confirmed cases. Monday was the largest increase (101) in the number of cases since May, when the virus was first diagnosed in the Netherlands.
The virus mainly spreads among men who have frequent sexual contacts with other men. But, experts point out, anyone can catch it. Infections occur through skin-to-skin contact and presumably also through the air, not just through sex.
The Ministry of Health wants to start vaccinating risk groups as soon as possible. The vaccinations against monkey pox are starting with a pilot in Amsterdam that is aimed at about 2000 people who receive PrEP or are on the waiting list for it. PrEP is a drug that protects against infection with HIV, the virus that can cause AIDS.
Rarely fatal
Experience experts, involved organizations and an Amsterdam general practitioner with many patients in the risk group previously told the NOS that they believe that more and faster vaccinations should be carried out. They believe that the risk groups that the government has now appointed are too limited.
An infection with the monkeypox virus often starts with fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills and fatigue. After one to three days, spots appear on the skin. This rash develops into blisters. The disease is rarely fatal, especially in western countries.