Credit: MSAN (sante.lu)
Luxembourg's Ministry of Health has reported that a total of fourteen cases of monkeypox have been confirmed in the Grand Duchy to date.
Up to 19 July 2022, a total of 10,604 cases of monkeypox in 36 countries and areas in the European region had been reported to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). This represents an increase of 2,370 cases over one week.
The majority of cases concerned people aged 31 to 40 (3,841 / 9,237; 42%), particularly men (9,149 / 9,197; 99.5%). Of the cases with known HIV status, 38% (923 / 2,403) were HIV positive. The majority of cases presented with rash (4,726 / 5,003; 94.5%) and systemic symptoms such as fever, fatigue, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhoea, chills, a sore throat or headache (3,269 / 5,003; 65%). 256 people with monkeypox were hospitalised (8.1%), of which 114 required clinical care. One individual was admitted to an intensive care unit. No deaths have been reported. 31 people infected with monkeypox were reported to be healthcare workers, although their infection was unrelated to occupational exposure.
In Luxembourg, a total of fourteen cases of monkeypox had been confirmed up to 20 July 2022 inclusive. This represents an increase of six cases compared to the previous week. No one has been hospitalised so far.
According to the Health Ministry, the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of these cases are very similar to the cases reported at the European level.
Luxembourg's Health Directorate has recalled the importance of protecting oneself against the virus and avoiding risky situations in order to limit its spread. Protective measures include washing hands regularly with soap, avoiding sharing bed linen and towels with infected individuals or those who have been in contact with infected individuals and use of protection in case of sexual contact.
