There are a total of 588 monkeypox cases reported in Portugal, 73 of which were notified last week, reports CNN. The first monkeypox vaccines have been given in Portugal. DGS has already began administring vaccines to those closest to the infected people.
Most of those infected with monkeypox in Portugal are between the ages of 30 and 39 years old and 99.8% are men. Only one women has been infected with monkeypox after being in contact with an infected man.
All of the regions of mainland Portugal and Madeira have reported cases of the virus, but the majority of cases (80%) have been confirmed in Lisbon and Vale do Tejo.
The other regions with the monkeypox cases are central Portugal (8), Alentejo (5), Algarve (4), and Madeira (3).
Portugal began vaccinated people against monkeypox on July 16. The three closes contacts to infected people are the first being vaccinated. The DGS continues to call close contacts to those infected so they can get vaccinated.
The vaccine is called Imvanex, a third-generation vaccine that is currently approved in Europe to prevent smallpox, but that is also effective against Monkeypox.
Those with suspected symptoms should avoid “physical contact with other people and sharing clothes, towels, sheets, and personal objects while having lesions or other symptoms”, according to the DGS.
Monkeypox spreads through close contact with someone who has symptoms. Clothing, bedding, towels, or objects that have been contaminated with monkeypox can infect others.
The virus can also spread through saliva as ulcers, lesions, or sores in the mouth can be infectious.