United States: Confirmed cases of monkeypox (mpox) reported in Chicago, Illinois through May

event

Public health officials are reporting increased monkeypox (mpox) activity in Chicago, Illinois, with seven confirmed cases reported between April 17 and May 5. This compares with his one confirmed case reported on 16 April from 1 February. Has not been previously vaccinated in order to get vaccinated as soon as possible. As disease surveillance and contact tracing continue, officials may identify additional cases in the coming weeks. This report represents the latest information as of May 9th.

context

Human-to-human transmission occurs between people who have close physical contact. The recent increase in cases associated with sexual contact suggests that the virus associated with this disease can be transmitted sexually. The current outbreak highlights the importance of vigilant and safe sexual practices and suggests that mpox can be transmitted while an infected person exhibits few or no symptoms. However, the risk is currently assessed as low for individuals who do not routinely engage with multiple or anonymous sexual partners.

Mpox does not occur naturally in North America. Most cases have been reported in West and Central Africa, primarily the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, and Cameroon, and have reported contact with wild primates or other mammals that may harbor the disease. between individuals who are

Mpox is caused by a virus that belongs to the same family as the virus that causes smallpox. However, mpox is not the same as smallpox, nor is it capable of rapid human-to-human transmission. Mpox is primarily transmitted to humans by direct contact with bodily fluids of infected rodents or primates. Human-to-human transmission occurs primarily through close personal contact with an infected person through respiratory droplets, direct contact with bodily fluids, or indirect contact with diseased material (such as contaminated clothing or bedding). occurs. Symptoms usually appear 6-16 days after exposure, but can develop up to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms generally include fever, headache, muscle and back pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills, fatigue, and a characteristic rash characterized by lesions that progress through several stages before shedding. It will be

advice

Practice basic health precautions such as washing your hands frequently with soap and water, covering your nose and mouth when coughing, and avoiding people who are obviously sick. In countries where mpox infections have been reported, avoid crowded areas such as nightclubs and consider using safe sexual practices such as physical barriers (condoms). Seek medical attention if he develops symptoms within 2 weeks of being in the affected area, especially if she has had one or more new sexual partners. Vaccines are available, but limited.