Source: CNA
The process of drawing up a management and action plan by the Ministry of Health to deal with a possible detection of monkeypox cases in Cyprus is in its final stage, a source of the Ministry has said. Meanwhile, the Vaccination Committee is meeting on Friday to discuss the necessity of vaccination for certain categories of the population to tackle the disease.
The competent services had a teleconference on Thursday, where they discussed the procedures and protocols to be followed for possible cases of the disease, how to admit and transfer cases to hospitals, their treatment and the management at the level of the Epidemiological Unit.
Guidance from ECDC
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) recommends that EU/EEA countries focus on early detection, management, contact tracing and reporting of new cases of monkeypox.
Countries should also update their contact detection mechanisms, and diagnostic capacity for orthopoxviruses and review the availability of smallpox vaccines, antivirals and personal protective equipment for health professionals.
Infected persons should remain isolated until the crusts fall and should particularly avoid close contact with immunosuppressed persons and pets.
Abstinence from sexual activity and close physical contact is also recommended until the rash has healed. Most cases can remain at home with supportive care.
Close contacts of monkeypox cases should be monitored on their own for the development of symptoms for 21 days after the last exposure. ECDC will continue to monitor developments closely and will update the risk assessment as new data and information become available.
Monkeypox virus can cause severe disease in certain population groups, such as young children, pregnant women and immunosuppressed individuals.
Further research is needed to accurately estimate the level of morbidity and mortality.
