In the last week, the number of monkeypox cases in Portugal has almost doubled to 209 cases, mostly in Lisbon and the region of Vale do Tejo, with some cases reported in the north of Portugal and the Algarve.
All the confirmed cases of monkeypox in Portugal have been detected in men between the ages of 19 and 61 years old, with most being under 40.
The Directorate‑General of Health of Portugal (DGS) has said that “the cases identified remain under clinical follow-up and are stable”.
One case has been reported in a prison in Porto on Thursday and seven inmates are being monitored.
It is unclear whether citizens will be vaccinated against monkeypox anytime soon in Portugal. However, in Germany, it was announced on Thursday that those over 18 years old exposed to monkeypox or with a higher risk of infection will be vaccinated with Imvanex, from Bavarian Nordic.
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 is contagious and can be transmitted through a wound, the respiratory tract, or the eyes, nose, or mouth.