The Health Bureau (SSM) reminded members of the public in a statement yesterday to take precautions against mpox following the World Health Organisation (WHO) declaring it as a public health emergency of international concern after a significant increase in cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and a growing number of cases in Africa.
Macau recorded a total of two cases in September and December last year, with the SSM statement noting that both had engaged in high-risk sexual activities during the incubation period. Vaccines are available in Macau, with those aged at least 18 and engage in high-risk sexual activities urged by the bureau to get jabbed as soon as possible.
The virus is mainly spread through high-risk sexual practices such as having multiple sexual partners or sex between men, according to the statement. The statement added that the virus can be spread through close contact from person to person (e.g. through skin-to-skin and face-to-face contact); touching contaminated items; and contact with infected animals such as rodents, monkeys and apes, with more details available on WHO’s website.
The statement said that WHO data underline that the general population is at low risk of infection and there is no need for a large-scale vaccination scheme. However, high risk individuals are urged to get jabbed, with appointments and consultations available for those in need of the vaccination.
The statement said that medical staff and personnel who have close contact with confirmed or suspected Mpox patients, engage in high-risk sexual practices or are exposed to those with mpox due to work are among those who are recommended to be vaccinated against the disease.
The bureau reminded members of the public to avoid high-risk sexual activities, contact with those infected with the virus, and touching contaminated items. Those who develop symptoms should inform doctors of their contact history, avoid sexual intercourse and close contact with others, the statement said.
This set of images from 2019 and downloaded from Wikipedia last night, shows the stages of mpox lesion development.
