Monkey pox is a rare viral infectious disease most commonly found in Central and West African countries. The center states that all sources of infection of the confirmed cases are currently outside of Latvia and local transmission of monkeypox in the country has not been detected at the moment.
The reservoir of infection in nature is still unknown, but the virus has been found in some rodents and monkeys, from which humans were also infected.
Human cases of monkeypox have also been reported outside of Africa in connection with international travel or imported animals. The incubation period for monkeypox is five to 21 days.
In 2022, six cases of monkeypox infection were registered in Latvia. All cases identified at that time have been epidemiologically managed. SPKC states that standard epidemiological safety measures were organized to prevent the spread of infection.
Currently, SPKC calls on travelers to be careful and reminds that it is possible to vaccinate against monkeypox.
It is important to remember that the way monkey pox spreads is not the same as, for example, getting the flu, where the infection spreads in the form of tiny droplets, explains SPKC.
Infection with the monkeypox virus occurs when a person comes into contact with the virus through contact with an infected animal, human or by touching biological materials or environmental objects that are infected with the virus.
Human-to-human transmission of monkeypox virus occurs primarily through large respiratory droplets, which require relatively long face-to-face contact. Therefore, SPKC calls on travelers and patients of risk groups to be careful, as well as to consult a family doctor in case of questions.
More information about monkeypox infection is available on the SPKC website.
As reported, the Swedish Public Health Agency announced on Thursday that it has registered the first case of the most dangerous variant of monkeypox outside of Africa.
2024-08-18 02:18:01