Better known under the name Mpox, Monkey pox, translation of monkey pox, is one of the subjects of concern to the WHO. Return to the press release published this September by the High Authority of Health (HAS), relating to vaccination recommendations, in particular for populations identified as being at risk.
Two clades identified
When we talk about MPOX, we must distinguish two main clades (groups):
• clade 1: “historic” strain of the virus, present in the Congo basin in central Africa.
• clade 2, present in West Africa. The virus currently circulating in Europe, clade 2b, comes from clade 2 involved in the Nigerian epidemic.
How is the disease transmitted?
Transmission of the Mpox virus in humans occurs:
• mainly by contact with skin lesions containing viral particles or the mucous membranes of infected people,
• either by direct contact with infected animals,
• either indirectly via contaminated materials (such as bedding or surfaces),
• it could perhaps also be done via the respiratory droplets of an infected person. Even though the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a public health emergency of international concern in the face of the active circulation of Mpox clade 1 in Central Africa, the overall risk of infection for the general population of the Union European level is currently considered weak. Since the 2022 epidemic, it is the clade 2 virus which has been circulating quietly in Europe and France, with a monthly number of reported cases varying between 12 and 26 in France between January and June 2024. From January 1 to June 30, 2024, a total of 102 cases of Mpox virus infection were reported to Public Health France, and confirmed. An increase in the number of cases was noted in April/May in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and in May/June in Île-de-France. To date, cases are mostly mild and no deaths have been reported.
What are the recommendations in case of symptoms?
If symptoms appear (skin rash with blisters with or without fever), you should contact your doctor or a free information, screening and diagnosis center. While waiting for medical advice, it is recommended to isolate yourself, avoid contact with other people, and cover the lesions when going to the doctor.
In case of positive diagnosis, what to do?
Cases diagnosed as suffering from Mpox must strictly follow their doctor’s recommendations and isolate themselves at home for a period of 21 days from the date of onset of clinical signs, if their condition does not require hospitalization. This 3-week period must be extended if the lesions of the skin or mucous membranes are not completely healed at the end. If strict isolation is not possible, it is necessary to limit their social interactions to outdoor activities without sharing equipment and without physical contact. Infected people must telework for 3 weeks from the date the signs start (or not work if teleworking is impossible). Subsidized by Public Health France and supported by SIS Association (Sexualités Info Service Association), the “Monkeypox info service” telephone line is accessible every day from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., at the toll-free number 0 801 90 80 69 (free call and service , anonymous and confidential).
Consequences on funeral operations
Mpox is an orthopoxvirus. Consequently, in the event of suspicion, the doctor completing the death certificate must check “immediate burial in an airtight coffin”, and prohibit the practice of treatment and donation of the body.
At this stage, there is no updated opinion from the HAS or the HCSP (High Council for Public Health) on the care of deceased people suffering from Mpox.
For more information, consult the press release of 08.18.2024: sante.gouv
To learn more about vaccination recommendations:
On September 24, at the invitation of the City of Paris, the French Federation of Funeral Homes (FFPF) participated in a meeting on the subject of the tiger mosquito, which is likely to infect workers in cemeteries.
Florence Fresse
General delegate of the FFPFResonance n° 207 – September 2024
