Dr Schmit explained that the number of infections is still rising, but no longer as fast as it was towards the beginning of the outbreak. The average age of infected people is 30 to 40, and 99.1% are men.
Dr Schmit believes it to be surprising that it has only affected men so far, but not unusual. The virus has mainly been spreading in the gay community, which is why that group is considered at risk and in need of protection: “The idea is to vaccinate men who have relations with many different partners. Some European countries have already begun implementing this strategy.”
So far, the vaccine has been primarily delivered to countries with the most monkeypox infections, including Portugal, Spain, France, and Germany. Although Luxembourg has not yet received a vaccine delivery, the EU has promised to send 1,400 doses in the coming days.
As soon as the first jabs are ready, the vaccination campaign will kick off, explained Dr Schmit: “The vaccine at our disposal was actually developed for the regular poxvirus, but it is also affective against monkeypox. It is not a new vaccine, but one that has existed for some time.”
Although the vaccine will first be used to inoculate the at-risk group, everyone can get it later on. Side effects are considered to be minor, the worst being fever and pain at the spot where the jab was used.
People who suspect having been infected with monkeypox should contact the National Service for Infectious Diseases at CHL, where one can also get tested.
Dr Schmit stressed that while the outbreak should be taken seriously, there is no reason to panic: “The situation is relatively stable. We see that numbers are not exploding, only increasing slowly without a strong transmission. Concerned people have by now been informed and know what to do.”
In Luxembourg, no monkeypox patient has yet been admitted to a hospital. Infected people only displayed mild symptoms, including fever, swollen lymph glands, and rashes. Although the virus is transmissible through every type of bodily fluid, close contact is still needed.
The Health Directorate thus pleads that people protect themselves and stop the spread of the virus. They should wash their hands regularly, avoid sharing bed sheets with people that are known to be infected, and use protection during sexual intercourse.
