People with HIV were immunized against monkeypox at the Infectious Diseases Hospital of Guayaquil – Ministry of Public Health

2023-07-27 00:44:23

Guayaquil, July 26, 2023

“Thank you for caring about the people who live with HIV. That they have given us this vaccine is very important to us because it helps us take care of our health,” said María C, a patient at the health home.

The Dr. José Daniel Rodríguez Maridueña Infectious Diseases Hospital, of the Ministry of Public Health (MSP), carried out a vaccination campaign against monkeypox. The objective of this action is to protect people with HIV/AIDS who receive care and treatment at this facility from this disease.

Monkeypox is an infectious disease called Monkeypox, which is transmitted from an infected person or wild animal through blood, secretions, or other bodily fluids.

Among the signs and symptoms of this disease we can mention: fever, chills, headache, back pain, conjunctivitis or swollen glands. In addition, rash, pimples, spots or blisters located in the mouth, palms of the hands, soles of the feet or in the anogenital areas.

During the days of the campaign, the doctors of the Comprehensive Care Unit (UAI) promoted vaccination in their patients by raising awareness of what this disease can cause, as well as the high risk they run by having an immunocompromised system due to HIV /AIDS.

There were around 100 patients who received the vaccine. Immunization decreases the impact of symptoms, as well as mortality in the presence of other morbidities.

MSP professionals recommend wearing a mask, not self-medication, frequent hand washing with soap and water, not touching objects that have been exposed to the virus, and avoiding physical and sexual contact with infected people.