Monkeypox is spreading worldwide, affecting more than 50 countries outside its usual range. This disease raises many questions, which the “Monkeypox Info Service” will address based on current scientific knowledge.

This service is designed to support prevention messages and protective measures, provide information on symptoms, treatments, and vaccination, and offer advice and guidance on where to seek care.

Users will find a responsive team and answers to all their questions.

• About the disease itself: what monkeypox is, its symptoms, how it spreads, high-risk situations, and how best to protect yourself.

• What to do if you come into contact with an infected person.

• If you contract Monkeypox, the recommended isolation measures (3 weeks).

• The care pathway: how is the diagnosis made, what type of test is used, and what does it involve? What are the steps in medical care if you are sick or have been in contact with an infected person? What treatments may be prescribed?

• Information on vaccination: who it is intended for, potential side effects, monitoring protocols for vaccinated individuals, and the protection the vaccine provides against smallpox.

• And all other questions this disease may raise: what is the difference between smallpox and Monkeypox virus infection? If you’ve already had chickenpox, can you contract Monkeypox?...

Call handlers receive ongoing training throughout their assignment, provided by the medical coordinator. They can rely on regularly updated response guides. Finally, a directory updated daily will direct users to diagnostic facilities, vaccination centers, and, in the event of a specific request from the caller, to “LGBT-friendly” healthcare professionals.

Prevention through Remote Health Assistance (PADS) is an essential tool for prevention and health promotion policies, enabling the reach of a large portion of the population. It complements the efforts of Santé publique France, which consist of:

• ongoing surveillance of infections with this virus, based on the mandatory reporting system and reinforced by informational and alert messages sent to healthcare professionals, as well as updates on the epidemiological situation published twice a week on the Santé publique France website.

• Starting May 20, targeted information and prevention initiatives on the sexosafe.fr website, via a digital campaign (particularly on social media, community sites, and dating apps); a poster campaign in social venues frequented by men who have sex with men (MSM); and the distribution of posters, flyers, and advice sheets on the ground, during Pride parades and in MSM social venues. The prevention initiative will continue throughout the summer online and will be reinforced by spots on niche radio stations (Radio FG and G One).

• Through the Pharmaceutical Agency, the management on behalf of the government of vaccine stocks (orders, storage at its national platform and at its distributors) and the organization of vaccine deliveries to various facilities.