Monkey pox - Monkeypox virus infection: information

Transmission, symptoms, isolation… All the information on monkey pox – or “Monkeypox” – circulating in Europe.

The transmission

This infectious disease is usually transmitted to humans in forest areas of Central and West Africa by wild rodents or primates.

But human-to-human transmission is also possible, particularly within the family home or in a healthcare setting.

Thus, the monkeypox virus can be transmitted by:

direct contact with skin lesions or mucous membranes of a sick person;
droplets (saliva, sneezes, sputters, etc.);
sexual intercourse (with or without penetration).

Contamination can also occur through contact with the patient’s environment (bedding, clothing, dishes, bath linen, etc.).

Symptoms

Pimples on the face, sex, palms, soles or anus;
fever ;
headache ;
muscle aches ;
fatigue ;
swollen and painful glands, under the jaw, in the neck or in the fold of the groin.

The incubation of the disease can range from 5 to 21 days. The fever phase lasts about 1 to 3 days.

The disease most often heals spontaneously, after 2 to 3 weeks but sometimes 4 weeks.

Download the brochure – All information on “Monkeypox”

isolation

If symptoms appear, contact the SAMU (15) who can refer you to a medical consultation.

Isolate yourself while waiting for medical advice and avoid contact with other people.

The regional health agency (ARS) of Ile-de-France announced the gradual opening of nine post-exposure vaccination sites (within hospitals in Paris) by July 11.

If you are actually sick, respect isolation for the duration of the illness (until the disappearance of the last scabs, usually 3 weeks).

Information for healthcare professionals