A case of monkeypox confirmed in Sofia

A case of monkeypox has been confirmed in Sofia, data on the website of Sofia Regional Health Inspectorate for the period 10 - 16 June 2024 shows. According to the National Centre for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, no other case of the disease has been registered since the beginning of the year until the last reporting week.

The recommendations that the Ministry of Health made last year were to people having clinical symptoms of monkeypox. They should seek medical help, possibly consulting an infectious disease doctor. If monkeypox is suspected, the ill person should be isolated at home or in a medical facility if the course of the illness requires it.

The incubation period of the disease is usually 6 to 13 days, but may vary from 5 to 21 days. The illness usually begins with fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and headache. Within three days of the onset of symptoms a rash starts from the site of the primary infection and quickly spreads to other parts of the body. Both the palms and soles of the feet can be affected. Rash progresses simultaneously, usually within 12 days, going through different stages. Swelling of the lymph nodes is seen in many patients before or concurrent with the rash.

It is highly recommended that persons with this clinical picture isolate themselves in a separate room and use individual towels, cutlery, bed linen, etc. In a laboratory-confirmed case of monkeypox, isolation is continued until the rash has faded. Individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of monkeypox should not leave the home except when necessary for a medical examination.

The infection is not easily transmitted from person to person, the National Center for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases states on its website. Infection occurs through close contact with infectious material from an infected person's skin lesions, as well as through respiratory droplets in prolonged face-to-face contact. It is also possible for the virus to be transmitted by the use of shared bedding, clothing and toiletries, where it survives for a long time. There is currently no vaccine approved in the European Union (EU) against monkeypox virus, but the smallpox vaccine has shown effectiveness against monkeypox, the Centre added.