The monkeypox vaccine will have priority for close contacts, the Ministry of Health announced.

The Ministry of Health and Social Protection has announced in an official statement how the monkeypox vaccines will be distributed.

“Priority is expected to be given to close contacts (about 3 per person with the infection), to the most vulnerable people: HIV, MSM (men who have sex with men) and other people with risky sexual behavior. The classification of the use of this vaccine in population groups will depend on the epidemiological behavior and the availability of biological products in the country ”.

Furthermore, they pointed out that there is no high alert level for this virus.

“It is necessary to recall the recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO), which focuses on the fact that at this time neither Colombia nor other countries require mass vaccination for Monkeypox.”

It should be remembered that Colombia did not accept vaccines that could be obtained through the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) revolving fund for not accepting the indemnity clauses. After, On 20 October it was known that the alternative was being discussed. Through a study by the World Health Organization (WHO), 25,000 organic products are expected.

“This negotiation is part of a research project that several countries will carry out with the World Health Organization. It should be borne in mind that vaccination, while being a very important tool, does not in itself prevent contagion, and for this reason the Ministry is advancing in terms of pedagogy, prevention and surveillance of risk prevention ”.

The decision was heavily criticized. mainly by exponents of the previous administration of the Ministry of Health, but also by politicians of opposition parties such as the Democratic Center. They questioned the leadership of the current minister Carolina Corcho and draw on the criticisms she leveled at the time of the contraction of vaccines against covid-19.

What else to say from the Ministry?

In the statement, they also deny the lack of action against this viral zoonosis and explain what they did.

“From the Communications of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, press releases were sent to interest groups, such as journalists, patients and local authorities, which mainly informed about Monkeypox’s behavior in the country, the symptoms and warning signs, as well as how to explain the course of care that should be considered when consulting medical services. Through the social networks of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection (Twitter, Instagram and Facebook) about 90 graphic pieces with the Monkeypox pedagogy were transmitted ”.

Overview of monkeypox in Colombia

The National Institute of Health (INS) has released the weekly monkeypox case report. The report confirms 3,298 infections detected. Of the total, 88 cases correspond to women and 3,210 to men. In addition, 58 hospitalizations have been reported and at this time 563 active cases are being followed up.

Recommendations for treatment and prevention

The Pan American Health Organization explains that although there are no specific treatments for monkeypox virus infection, “the symptoms of monkeypox usually resolve spontaneously. Clinical care for monkeypox should be optimally optimized to relieve symptoms, manage complications and prevent long-term sequelae. “

In addition, the Colombian health system recommends contacting EPS in the first place, in the event of a possible infection, to take the test. After having the result, which on average can last seven days and if it is positive, the advice is to maintain strict isolation.

During this time, the experts add, “it is important to take care of the rash by letting it dry if possible or by covering it with a moist dressing to protect the area if necessary. You should avoid touching any wounds in the mouth or eyes. You can use mouthwashes and eye drops, as long as you avoid products containing cortisone “.