– Yes, it is the number of sexual contacts that is important. That’s what assistant director Geir Bukholm at the Institute of Public Health answers when he receives a question from news about FHI now recommending vulnerable groups to reduce the number of sex partners. – It is important to point out that this is not a sexually transmitted disease in the traditional sense, because body contact other than just sexual contact also contributes to infection, he says and adds: – Physical barriers, such as condoms, will not provide a completely safe infection-reducing effect as with other sexually transmitted diseases. It is general body contact that is the most important method of transmission, he says. Assistant director Geir Bukholm in the Institute of Public Health. Photo: Stian Lysberg Solum / Stian Lysberg Solum At the end of July, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared monkeypox a global health threat. So far, over 19,000 people worldwide have been registered as infected, and the virus has been detected in 75 different countries. In Norway, the total number of registered infected people is now 53. Facts about monkeypox * Monkeypox is a disease caused by orthopoxvirus, which is most common in humans. Monkeypox was first detected in 1959 in monkeys used in research, and the first case in humans was identified in the Congo in 1970. * During the spring and summer of 2022, the virus has spread unusually rapidly among humans in large parts of the world. It is believed that the virus has mainly spread via sexual contact between men who have sex with other men. * Monkeypox causes rashes, sores, blisters and fever. The symptoms are often mild, but can become serious in people in certain risk groups. In some very rare cases, the virus can be fatal. * To date, monkeypox has been detected in 75 countries around the world. The WHO says the risk of infection is particularly high in Europe. * The increased incidence in recent years is probably related to the fact that a smaller and smaller part of the population has been vaccinated against smallpox, a vaccine that also provides protection against monkeypox. (Sources: TT and Folkehelseinstituttet) “Limited number” Norway will receive 1,400 vaccine doses, which means that 700 will have the opportunity to take the vaccine. But the vaccines take time to make, and it will not be possible to vaccinate the entire risk group. This is precisely why FHI wants personal measures to be taken to reduce the spread of the virus. In a recent report, FHI assesses that there is “a high probability of further spread of monkeypox among men who have sex with men with many intimate close contacts”. 700 will have the opportunity to take the vaccine. Photo: DADO RUVIC / Reuters – The vaccine is one of several measures to get control over this. It will be very important to establish good cooperation with the interest organisation, and to encourage them to reduce the number of contacts and change their behavior during this period. Keep up to date: Read more about monkeypox here Bukholm believes there are still too few cases in Norway to be able to make an infection forecast, but he expects the number to increase as Norwegians return home from holiday. – This is a situation we take seriously, he says and adds: – At the same time, we think that as this virus is now, it is entirely possible to get good control of this with the help of general infection control measures combined with vaccines. The Directorate of Health’s campaign on social media Photo: The Directorate of Health Do not kiss Transmission of monkeypox usually occurs through close contact with an infected person. It can be spread by direct contact with rashes, wound or body fluids, including sexual contact and kissing, but it can also be spread via indirect contact, such as contact with clothes, towels or bedding that has been used by an infected person, writes FHI on its sides. Monkeypox seen under a microscope Photo: RUSSELL RE CYNTHIA S. GOLDSMITH / Reuters They also write that objects, surfaces and waste that have been in direct contact with wound and body fluids from the infected person can also potentially become infected. Bukholm nevertheless believes that there is little risk that the infection will spread from household to household – and that it is not considered necessary to initiate disinfection as was done when the pandemic was at its worst in Norway. Rolf Martin Angeltvedt, head of the Health Committee Photo: Alexandra Gjerlaugsen “You can test yourself” Rolf Martin Angeltvedt, head of the Health Committee tells news that you would like to see a rash in areas where you have come into contact with the infection, preferably around the genitals. – For example, it is recommended not to kiss. And it is said that condoms alone will not be sufficient protection. From the time you are infected until you get symptoms, it can take three weeks, says Angeltvedt. He therefore believes that there are a number of dark figures – and wants to make an appeal: – You can test yourself. You can contact the corona telephone and ask for a test if you suspect you have monkeypox. You can also contact the Health Committee.
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Asks vulnerable people to reduce the number of sex partners – news Norway – Overview of news from different parts of the country
