Monkeypox Cases: Update as of May 24, 2022
Update as of May 24, 2022, following reports of monkeypox cases in France and around the world.
Cases of monkeypox with no direct link to travel in Central or West Africa or to travelers returning from those regions have been reported in Europe and around the world; suspected cases are currently being evaluated in many countries, and the situation is therefore evolving very rapidly. In France, infections with this virus are subject to ongoing surveillance through the mandatory reporting system. Given the current alerts, surveillance of these infections has been stepped up by Santé publique France, and information and alert messages are being sent to healthcare professionals.
Monkeypox Cases: Update in France
As of May 24, 2022, at 2:00 p.m., 5 confirmed cases of monkeypox have been reported in France (Source: SpFrance): 3 in Île-de-France, 1 in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and 1 in Occitanie.
To date, in Europe, these cases have occurred primarily, though not exclusively, among men who have sex with men (MSM), with no direct link to individuals returning from endemic areas.
Given the usual absence of monkeypox in Europe and the lack of reported links between the identified cases and a risk area, the current European situation constitutes a warning and suggests local transmission within Europe. For this reason, in France, ongoing surveillance of monkeypox through the mandatory reporting system has been strengthened, and information and alert messages are being sent to healthcare professionals. Discussions are also continuing with other European countries, the WHO, and the ECDC.
What is monkeypox?
Monkeypox is an infectious disease caused by an Orthopoxvirus. This zoonotic disease is usually transmitted to humans in the forested areas of Central and West Africa by wild rodents or primates, but human-to-human transmission is also possible, particularly within households or in healthcare settings.
How is it transmitted?
The monkeypox virus can be transmitted through direct contact with the skin lesions or mucous membranes of an infected person, as well as through droplets (saliva, sneezing, spittle, etc.). Sexual intercourse, with or without penetration, creates conditions conducive to transmission, and having multiple partners increases the risk of exposure to the virus.
Transmission can also occur through contact with the patient’s environment (bedding, clothing, dishes, bath towels, etc.). It is therefore important for patients to remain in isolation for the entire duration of the illness (until the last scabs have fallen off, usually 3 weeks).
In Central or West Africa, humans can also become infected through contact with animals—wild or captive, dead or alive—such as rodents or monkeys.
Infection with the monkeypox virus is not classified as an STI, but direct contact with broken skin during sexual intercourse facilitates transmission.
What are the symptoms?
Infection with the monkeypox virus can cause a vesicular rash, consisting of fluid-filled blisters that dry out, form scabs, and eventually heal. Itching may occur. The blisters tend to concentrate on the face, the anogenital area, the palms of the hands, and the soles of the feet, but may also appear on the trunk and limbs. The mucous membranes are also affected, particularly in the mouth and genital region. This rash may be accompanied by fever, headache, body aches, and fatigue. Lymph nodes may be swollen and tender under the jaw, in the neck, or in the groin. Sore throat has also been reported.
The incubation period for the disease can range from 5 to 21 days. The fever phase lasts about 1 to 3 days. The disease usually resolves spontaneously after 2 to 3 weeks, but sometimes takes up to 4 weeks.
Is monkeypox serious?
The disease is more severe in children and in immunocompromised individuals. It can lead to complications such as secondary infections of the skin lesions or respiratory, digestive, ophthalmological, or neurological complications.
In Europe, and particularly in France, no deaths have been reported.
See previous updates:
Monkeypox cases: update as of May 23, 2022 (news from 05/23/22)
First confirmed case of monkeypox in France (press release dated 05/20/22)
European monkeypox cases: enhanced surveillance implemented (news update from 05/19/22)
Smallpox B (Mpox)
thematic dossier
Smallpox B (Mpox), formerly known as monkeypox, is a rare viral infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus and transmitted primarily from rodents to humans, and then from person to person,...
