A patient with monkeypox was hospitalized in the Moscow region. What is known

A patient with a confirmed diagnosis of monkeypox was hospitalized in the Moscow region, and another case was considered suspicious; Rospotrebnadzor is conducting an epidemiological investigation, but says there are no risks of infection spreading in Russia. This was reported in medical institutions and the supervisory authority. All the details are in the Izvestia article.

What is known about cases of infection in the Moscow region

In Domodedovo hospital, a hospitalized patient was diagnosed with "smallpox of monkeys." The man's condition is assessed as satisfactory, and he is receiving symptomatic treatment. Earlier, a man with facial rashes and a high fever sought medical help in Odintsovo district; doctors suspected a dangerous infection and isolated him along with an accompanying person, their condition is assessed as moderate.

The infected patient claims that he has been in Moscow for about a month and a half and has not visited foreign countries, baths or saunas, and the path of infection is unknown to him. In connection with the incidents, Rospotrebnadzor launched a sanitary and epidemiological investigation, which includes identifying contacts of patients, taking biomaterials and ordering disinfection of premises. The agency emphasizes that modern test systems have been developed to diagnose the disease, which make it possible to detect the virus as soon as possible.

How does the disease proceed and what are the transmission routes?

According to George Vikulov, an infectious disease specialist and immunologist, the incubation period of smallpox in monkeys does not exceed two weeks. Before the appearance of a characteristic rash, patients may experience headache and muscle pain, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Then, as a rule, rashes appear that cover the palms, feet, and in severe cases, the entire body, including the mucous membranes of the mouth, eyes, and genitals.

The expert noted that the virus mainly circulates among animals, primarily primates and rodents, but can be transmitted from person to person through sexual contact, through common hygiene items, and also by airborne droplets. The duration of the disease is two to three weeks, and it is especially dangerous for people with immunodeficiency and young children. According to statistics, about 4-5% of cases may have a severe course with a risk of death.

How do the authorities and experts assess the situation?

Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Gennady Onishchenko said that Russia has all the necessary means to diagnose and combat smallpox in monkeys, and the disease has been under control since the 1980s. He urged citizens not to be afraid of infection, because in case of infection, the patient will be isolated and treated. Rospotrebnadzor, for its part, recommends that Russians avoid contact with potential carriers of the virus — rodents and primates — and observe personal hygiene rules when traveling abroad.

At the same time, the agency continues to monitor the global epidemiological situation after the World Health Organization maintained the emergency status due to the spread of monkeypox. Amid reports of new cases overseas, including the first infected new strain of mpox in Australia and an outbreak of 177 cases in two days in Sierra Leone. The Russian authorities assure that there is no threat to the population of the country.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.