54 minutes ago
Concern
REGION After several years in which the coronavirus was the topic of the day, there is now a new virus that is on the rise: the monkey pox virus.
Monkeypox, also often referred to as monkey pox, is a viral infection that has been circulating in Europe since the spring of 2022. The disease previously mainly occurred in West and Central Africa, where it mainly spread from animals to humans. The current outbreak is spreading from person to person, also between people who have no direct link with African countries or who have traveled there. According to the RIVM, the counter for the Noord-Holland/Flevoland region now stands at 548 cases.
A monkeypox infection is usually mild and flu-like, but can be serious in some cases. An infection may be accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills and tiredness, and a rash or blisters on the skin.
The GGD Amsterdam started vaccinating against monkey pox on Monday 25 July. Since there is a limited number of vaccines available for complete vaccination of about 10,000 people, only risk groups will be vaccinated for the time being. So far, most infections have been reported among men with frequent contact and people with certain immune disorders, including HIV, but monkeypox is not an STI and can also be transmitted through more extensive skin contact. There is currently no question of an epidemic, vaccination is mainly intended to get a grip on the current outbreak. Risk bearers receive an invitation from their GP, and that is also the place where they can report if they suspect an infection. For all information and manifestations, see the RIVM website.