There are now numerous suspected cases of monkeypox found in recent times in the United Kingdom , Portugal and especially Spain .
In the UK there would be 7 cases, in Portugal 5 confirmed and about twenty suspected, while the cases being analyzed in Madrid have risen to 23.
Monkeypox ( monkeypox ), explains a note from the Iberian health authorities, is a "very rare" disease that generally presents with "fever, myalgia, lymphadenopathy (swollen glands) and a rash on the hands and face, similar to chickenpox ".
The health of suspect patients is evolving "favorably" , although it is necessary to keep them "under observation" for the possibility that someone may need hospitalization, the health authorities still say.
In general, the statement adds, "its transmission occurs via the respiratory route ", but, due to the characteristics of the 23 cases being analyzed, the suspicion is that the possible contagion could have occurred through " contact with the mucous membranes during sexual intercourse. " .
All cases would have occurred among men . For this reason, the British health authorities have urged homosexuals or bisexuals to report any symptoms attributable to the disease.
Monkeypox is endemic to West Africa , but most of the cases recorded in Europe would not derive, health authorities suspect, "from import". For this the experts are carrying out in-depth studies.
(Unioneonline / lf)
