Monkeypox in Mexico: UNAM clarifies if it is serious, what measures to take and if vaccines are available

How serious is monkeypox?

Evelyn Rivera ToledoFrom the Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine (FM) explains that monkey pox It is a self-limiting disease, so mortality can last between 14 and 21 days with very low levels.

for its part, sarbelio moreno espinosaProfessor of Virology in FM’s Postgraduate Course in Infectious Diseases UNAMclarifies that veruela del mono It is not a serious, life-threatening illness or a disease requiring hospitalization. “With proper measures and medication, it can be treated at home and it usually gets better in 14 days,” he confirmed.

Rivera said there are two Vaccines accepted at that time against chicken pox And now it’s being used to stop monkey pox, “Both were manufactured by the United States government after September 19, 2001, as a preventive measure against the risk of a potential bio-terrorist attack,” he says.

• The expert assures that at least 300 million doses available Smallpox Vaccines.

According to the expert, the Genios vaccine is being applied to immunosuppressed people and pregnant women, as it is the one that is showing the most efficiency against it. monkey poxApart from the fact that “it is safe and has few side effects”, while ACAM2000 This is the vaccine that is being applied to the general public.

FDA approved vaccine ACAM2000 Against smallpox for people at high risk of infection. Vaccination manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur Biologics Co. Ltd. and is made from a virus called vaccinia, which is a “POX” type of virus that is related to chicken pox But it causes minor illness.

Are there approved vaccines in Mexico?

According to the expert, in the case of MexicoThe Committee of Experts on Immunization is evaluating the acquisition Vaccines To apply them to the population at risk, giving priority to those who are in the immediate circle and who have been in contact with already infected patients.

So far, the Federal Commission for Protection from Sanitary Risks (coffeeprice) has not approved any smallpox vaccine, both of which can work against smallpox. monkey poxas in the case of Genios You ACAM 2000.

Evelyn Rivera Ensures that the most important thing is to be aware of its symptoms monkey pox, “It is likely that, in the first days of infection, lesions are already on the oral or anal mucosa, but they are not visible, or go completely unnoticed at the level of the genitals, hence the chain of contagion. Still active.”, he notes.

Although the lesions may not be visible, as soon as there is SymptomsEspecially if unprotected sexual contact is maintained with a large number of people, it should be recognized that this may be a relevant sign of contagion. monkey pox And go to the doctor.

sarbelio moreno espinosa list the symptoms of monkey pox To be aware of possible infection and to proceed in case one appears. These are the signs identified by the UNAM expert:

1. Rash that can be seen as spots or spots, as well as raised skin lesions (papules) that appear on the face, inside the mouth, and spread to the arms, legs, arms, and legs.
2. fever
3. Headache
4. muscle and back pain
5. swelling of lymph nodes
6. shaking chills
7. Exhaustion
8. Throat pain
9. nasal congestion
10. Terms of Service

experts of UNAM see others Measurement You recommendations to compete monkey pox Prevent the spread of further infections:

• Tips to avoid infection

My sarbelio moreno espinosa takes recommendations of OMS and lists prevention measures to avoid possible infection monkey pox,

1. Avoid close skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash-like appearance monkey pox,
2. You should avoid touching the rash or scabs caused by this disease, as well as avoid kissing, hugging, or having sex with someone who has the disease.
3. Avoid contact with objects and materials used by the infected person, such as eating utensils, bedding, towels, or clothing.
4. Frequent hand washing with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is recommended, especially before eating or touching your face and after using the bathroom.
5. Avoid contact with rodents and primates, living or dead, and materials they have touched.
6. Respect confinement measures as much as possible, bathe frequently to avoid re-infection in spots, eat well, avoid sun exposure, adequate hydration and control fever.

• Do not touch infected objects or materials

Riviera Toledo Recommends avoiding touching infected objects or materials, not sharing food or kitchen utensils, washing hands frequently, resuming etiquette sneezing, maintaining proper use of face masks and not sharing towels or bedding .

According to WHO data, the groups most vulnerable monkey pox Newborns, young children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are the ones who are most at risk of developing severe forms of the disease. monkeypoxmainly in endemic areas.

• avoid misinformation and stigma

Evelyn Rivera Toledo believes that one of the important measures to help prevent this disease is to thoroughly inform citizens with solid and scientifically backed data, so that they become aware of the scope and true dimensions of this disease and confirm that we are all at risk, to avoid stigma

“We are all at risk and responsible management of information also contributes significantly to avoiding prejudice, stigma and discrimination against certain groups of the population who are vulnerable to the disease, but not because of their sexual preferences.”

Evelyn Rivera Toledo

• Strengthening areas and mechanisms for treating monkeypox

researchers of UNAM Underlines the importance of each unit’s medical units strengthening their clinical areas and mechanisms for timely control and record keeping of each of the confirmed cases by each. monkeypox,

In this way, “infected patients can be well located to proceed with their immediate isolation and maintain permanent surveillance of all their contacts, thereby implementing the indicated preventive measures for containment.” virus continues to spread, such as by avoiding close contact with infected people.”