The Regional Health Agency announces that a second case of monkeypox is confirmed in Reunion, this Wednesday, October 5. The contamination took place on the territory, adds the ARS.
A second case of monkey pox has just been confirmed in Reunion, this Wednesday, October 5, by the Regional Health Agency.
This time, the authorities specify that the contamination took place on the territory, “according to the first elements identified”.
A first case had been identified on September 14, but it was a man who had just returned from mainland France.
“To date, this person shows no signs of seriousness and is isolated at his home, explains the ARS. An epidemiological investigation is being carried out by the ARS and Public Health France teams, in conjunction with the doctor who took care of this patient.
The people who have been in close contact with this patient are currently being identified. They will be encouraged “to be vaccinated as soon as possible”, and to monitor “any appearance of suggestive symptoms”.
As of September 27, 3,999 confirmed cases of Monkeypox virus infection have been identified in France, and no deaths have been reported to date.
Contamination occurs when “prolonged face-to-face contact by respiratory droplets or direct contact with an infected person, through bodily fluids, skin lesions or internal mucous membranes such as the mouth”.
Contamination can also occur indirectly through objects that the patient has contaminated, such as clothing or bed linen.
The first symptoms occur after an incubation period of 5 to 21 days.
The infection can begin with fever, headache, muscle aches, difficulty swallowing, asthenia and lymph nodes in the neck and upper thigh, skin rashes.
The person is contagious from the appearance of the first symptoms until the complete healing of the skin lesions. The recommended isolation period is three weeks, in order to avoid any contamination of those around you. Some people are likely to develop serious forms, especially immunocompromised people, pregnant women and young children.
If symptoms appear (fever and rash with blisters), contact the SAMU Center 15 who will direct you to a medical consultation.
It is recommended to isolate yourself while waiting for medical advice, and to avoid close contact with other people.
Vaccination against Monkeypox is free for the public concerned. The High Authority for Health (HAS) recommends preventive vaccination for the following people:
- people who have had risky contact with a sick person,
- men who have sex with men and trans people, both multi-partner,
- sex workers,
- professionals working in places of sexual consumption.
Three vaccination centers are accessible on the island, by appointment.