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Bilthoven
The speed at which the monkeypox virus is spreading in the Netherlands is increasing. The virus has so far been diagnosed in 352 people, reports the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).
Compared to last Thursday, 64 new cases have come to light. This increase is considerably stronger than the increase in recent weeks.
Among the people who have contracted the virus is a child of primary school age. It is not known how that child became infected, but according to the RIVM there is no suspicion of abuse. The virus spreads through skin-to-skin contact, which can happen in ways other than sex.
Distribution
The other infected people are men, and most of them are men who have sex with men. It was previously announced that some of the infected men have been to the Darklands Festival in Belgium. This fetish festival was identified as a possible fire source. Darklands was held about two months ago, from May 4-9. After infection, it can take 5 to 21 days for people to develop the first symptoms. That means the people who are now testing positive did not contract the virus on Darklands.
RIVM warned last Monday that the upcoming pride events in Amsterdam and other cities could lead to “more intensive spread” of the monkeypox virus within the Netherlands. The most famous pride in the Netherlands, Pride Amsterdam, is held from July 30 to August 7. At the end of July there are also Pink Wednesday in Nijmegen, Pink Monday in Tilburg, Pride Amersfoort and the Milkshake Festival in Amsterdam.
Those who contract monkey pox can suffer from fever, headache, muscle aches and general malaise. After a few days, a rash with blisters appears on the skin. Usually people don’t get very sick from an infection. One patient in the Netherlands has been in hospital to be treated for skin complaints associated with the infection. He has recovered and is back home.