By Lina Ibriz
A first case of contamination with Monkeypox recorded in Morocco and already several questions arise. Is a scenario similar to the Coronavirus epidemic likely to happen again? What to expect? What measures to protect yourself? Answers from Professor Said Moutawakil, intensive care professor and anesthesiologist.
The Ministry of Health and Social Protection announced, this Thursday, June 2, 2022, the detection in Morocco of a first confirmed case of monkeypox infection. Monkeypox from a European country, without further details.
After the discovery of this case, the health authorities implemented a protocol and an epidemiological monitoring system and began investigations in order to establish the list of contact cases, whose potential subjects will be observed and followed up in order to take the necessary precautions. aimed at limiting the spread of the virus, said the Ministry of Health. While awaiting details and clarifications, once the biological examinations have been completed, several questions arise. Meanwhile, vigilance remains, and “ no reason to panic “, reassure the specialists contacted by us.
According to Said Moutawakil, Professor of intensive care and anesthetist and member of the scientific and technical committee against Covid-19, a scenario of viral spread similar to that of the coronavirus is not likely. Although ” the monkeypox virus or “Monkeypox” is contagious, but not in the same way as the coronavirus. You still have to be vigilant “, he advises.
The virus can be contracted either by very close direct contact with a person, if you come into contact with a sick person, or via skin transmission, or by handling contaminated materials, such as medical equipment or objects used by the infected person. The virus can also be transmitted through biological fluids such as blood or sexual secretions, explains the Professor.
→ Read also: Monkey pox: first confirmed case in Morocco (Ministry)
Questions about the incubation period
Once the virus is contracted, the incubation period lasts from 6 to 14 days, a period during which the virus does not show any signs and the patient is not contagious », Adds Moutawakil.
This also means that it will be necessary to wait to be able to confirm or deny whether the contact cases have been infected. According to the Professor, “suspected cases will be observed during this period, and as soon as we have a patient who is confirmed, we will isolate him either at home or in infectious disease departments and treat him. The caregivers who take care of him and his relatives must also protect themselves during this period.
The Health Protection Equation
Once again, Moutawakil assures that a scenario which imposes strict sanitary measures, such as those imposed by the Covid, will probably not happen again with the ” Monkeypox “. To protect yourself, all the same, a number of gestures must be respected.
First, stay away from suspected cases and avoid contact with objects that an infected or suspected person has touched, says Moutawakil. You should also stay away from people with symptoms such as fever or rashes, he insists.
In addition, barrier gestures protecting against viral diseases must be respected, concludes Moutawakil, emphasizing physical distance with infected or suspected cases, wearing a mask near these cases, avoid coming into contact with any material. who might be infected and disinfect that one regularly.