Will a monkeypox epidemic break out? Are hotel sheets dangerous? Experts reveal key "1 action" to significantly reduce virus load
Cases of monkeypox increase after consecutive holidays. Are local cases of monkeypox gradually heating up?
The local COVID-19 epidemic situation continues to decline, while the number of monkeypox virus case notifications continues to increase. According to the latest statistics from the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control on April 11, the number of local monkeypox infection cases has reached 25. After the Qingming Festival holiday, cases of monkeypox infection were also reported in Taoyuan and Kaohsiung. It is estimated that the number of local cases of monkeypox has reached 30.
Common symptoms of monkeypox infection include: rash, blisters, macules, maculopapular rashes, pustules, etc., as well as fever, chills/shivers, headache, muscle pain, back pain, joint pain, and swollen lymph glands (such as around the ears, armpits, neck or groin, etc.). However, some cases may have a low viral load and may cause infection without obvious symptoms. The public is urged to reduce unspecified high-risk contact behaviors and wash hands frequently to reduce the risk of infection.
Is it possible to get viruses from lying on hotel sheets? Monkeypox transmission routes and risks
Shi Xinru, director of Chang Gung Memorial University’s Emerging Virus Infection Research Center, said in an interview with “healthorn” that the local reported cases of monkeypox in Taiwan are still relatively limited. It is indeed possible to be exposed to the monkeypox virus in the community, but monkeypox is still associated with close contact and intimacy. Contact is the main route of infection. As long as people maintain the same measures to prevent the new coronavirus, including washing hands frequently and reducing contact with mucous membranes, the infection rate can be significantly reduced.
Director Shi Xinru pointed out that sexual behavior is a clear transmission route for monkeypox virus. Without knowing the health status of the subject, there is indeed a higher chance of infection. In addition, there is a certain risk of infection from contact with the contaminated clothing and bed sheets of confirmed cases. In order to prevent unknown community spread, hotel operators are advised to strengthen cleaning and regular replacement of disinfected bed sheets and other bedding after residents check out, and implement Standard procedures to prevent spread.
Monkeypox virus cases continue to increase, is there a possible outbreak? Director Shi Xinru said that compared to the new coronavirus, monkeypox virus is more stable in the human environment, and the evidence of transmission through contact with infected persons is clear. Although the risk of environmental transmission (such as droplets and airborne transmission) cannot be completely ruled out, As long as you maintain the same anti-epidemic habits as against the new coronavirus, you can effectively reduce the risk of transmission.
Symptoms of mild infection are not obvious? Monkeypox vaccine groups
People from all walks of life are worried that local symptoms of monkeypox are less obvious, or that unreported cases of mild cases may increase the spread of the epidemic? Director Shi Xinru pointed out that in the past, people infected with “pox virus” would have obvious symptoms of fever and rash, but in this wave of local cases, some patients have no obvious fever or rash. They may be infected with the virus without knowing it. Monkeypox currently reports a fatality rate of 0.1%, and the actual value is lower. Although it is not as dangerous as the new coronavirus, risk groups are still advised to consider vaccination.
Director Shi Xinru said that special groups such as high-risk groups with sexual relationships and many sexual partners, medical staff who may be in close contact with patients, and groups with poor immunity are all recommended for vaccination. Taiwan Centers for Disease Control will also open registration for the second phase of monkeypox vaccination intention from April 10. As long as you have had high-risk behaviors within 6 months of self-risk assessment, you can register on the “Monkeypox Vaccination Willingness Registration Platform” vaccination.
Reduce the risk to your family members! Key actions to prevent monkeypox
Director Shi Xinru pointed out that the monkeypox virus has a “mantle” structure, and the amount of virus can be greatly reduced through alcohol. The better way is to wash hands frequently with soap. Clothes at risk of infection can be diluted and washed with bleach, which can reduce the amount of virus to a very low level and achieve a certain effect in preventing monkeypox virus.
Director Shi Xinru emphasized that generally healthy adults with normal immunity will have sufficient resistance after being exposed to a small amount of viruses. However, the virus may still be transmitted to high-risk groups such as the elderly, young children, or groups with chronic diseases. Therefore, it is good practice to wash hands frequently. Habits are still an important way to prevent family members from contracting monkeypox and other germs.
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