With reference to the recent identification of a Mpox case in our country, the Ministry of Health wishes to inform the public of the following:
Current situation
Currently, according to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control ECDC (dated 16/08/2024), the risk assessment for the general population in Europe is low.
It is noted that in Cyprus in the year 2022 there were five (5) confirmed cases, in 2023 no cases were reported, while in 2024 we had one (1) confirmed case, on 15/12/2024.
Self-protection measures include:
avoiding physical contact with a person showing symptoms consistent with possible Mpox infection.
frequent hand washing with soap and water or an antiseptic
maintaining personal protection measures and maintaining distance.
vaccination in high-risk groups.
Possible symptoms
rash with blisters on the face, hands, feet, genitals and/or perianal areas.
fever
swollen lymph nodes
headache
myalgia
fatigue/weakness
Ways of transmission
Animal-to-human transmission (zoonogenic) can occur from:
direct contact with blood, body fluids, skin or mucosal lesions of infected animals.
consumption of undercooked meat and other animal products of infected animals.
Human-to-human transmission can occur as follows:
contact with respiratory secretions or skin lesions of an infected person or recently infected objects.
transmission via respiratory droplets following prolonged face-to-face contact.
transmission through the placenta from mother to fetus (which can lead to congenital Mpox).
close contact during birth and after birth.
close contact with household members, sexual partners, other close contact (handshake or touch).
to people providing care in an incident, including healthcare professionals who are not adequately protected.
Close contacts of an Mpox case are:
Sexual partner.
People who live in the same household or in a similar environment (e.g. camping, shared accommodation);
People who shared clothing, clothing, utensils, etc., while the case had a rash.
People who shared a workplace/office with the case for a long time.
Caregivers, healthcare professionals and laboratory personnel who have had contact with a case of Mpox (skin lesions or prolonged face-to-face contact) or were exposed to a sample containing the virus without using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.
Co-passengers of a case within 1-2 seats around the case while the case was symptomatic, on a plane, bus or train on a journey of ≥8 hours.
Incident management
If someone thinks that he/she has the mentioned symptoms and/or is a close contact of a case, he/she should contact his/her personal physician or another attending physician for instructions.
Instructions for citizens who will travel to the affected areas
Citizens who are going to travel to the high-risk countries ( DR Congo, Uganda, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda ) are recommended to consult their Personal Physician or vaccination centers at least six (6) weeks before traveling to investigate the necessity of vaccination and to receive personalized recommendations for their trip.
Also, people who will travel to an affected area should apply precautionary measures such as avoiding contact with:
infected persons and especially those with skin lesions.
wild animals, domestic mammals, and especially rodents (mice, rats, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, squirrels).
contaminated surfaces and items used by patients (clothing, bedding, etc.) or that came into contact with wild animals.
Also, during the trip, the consumption or preparation of meat from wild animals should be avoided and medical attention should be sought immediately in case of an unexplained skin rash (damages on any part of the body), with or without fever and chills.
If after returning from the trip and within 21 days, the aforementioned symptoms are observed, then the Personal Physician/Pediatrician should be informed.
Vaccination
Vaccination is particularly recommended for people who:
intend to travel to affected areas.
potentially treat a confirmed case.
have sexual intercourse with multiple partners or unknown partners;
have had close contact with a confirmed case.
For people who are considered close contacts, it is recommended that they do so within four days of their first contact with the case. The vaccination period can be extended up to 14 days after contact to reduce the chance of severe symptoms.
Vaccination should be done in consultation with the designated vaccination centers.
For more information, citizens can contact the telephone numbers 22605678, 22605456 and the e-mail address cycomnet@cytanet.com.cy.
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