Endemic in West Africa, this viral disease has also been identified in Portugal in “more than 20 suspected cases (…) in the Lisbon region (west), five of which were confirmed,” announced the Portuguese Directorate General for Health. it’s a statement.
“The cases, most of them young, all male, had ulcerative lesions,” said the health authority.
In Spain, eight suspected cases have already been identified that “still need to be confirmed” by analysis, according to the Spanish Ministry of Health.
What is monkeypox?
According to the authorities of both countries, who activated a national health alert, this rare disease is not very contagious between humans, has no treatment and generally heals itself.
Its symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and fatigue. Skin rashes can also appear, especially on the face, and spread to other parts of the body.
The UK has identified seven cases since May 6, including four in people who identify as “gay, bisexual or men who have sex with men,” according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
With the exception of the first case – the infected person had recently traveled to Nigeria – the patients were infected in the UK, raising fears of community transmission.