22 cases of monkeypox diagnosed in Finland
22 cases of monkeypox have been diagnosed so far in Finland (situation on 4 August 2022). Most of the infections originated outside of Finland. However, some of the infections occurred inside Finland, which means that the possibility of being infected in Finland is worth considering. All of those who have been infected are men.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a total of 23,351 laboratory-confirmed monkeypox infections have been diagnosed worldwide since the beginning of January 2022 (situation on 2 August 2022). The countries with the highest numbers of reported cases have been the U.K., Spain, Germany, France, and the United States. There have been cases detected in a total of 83 different countries.
Brazil, Spain, India and Peru have reported a total of five deaths associated with monkeypox in men between the ages of 22 and 45. The cases that have now been reported are the first deaths associated with non-African monkeypox. More detailed information on the cases is still pending, but according to media information, three of the infected died of encephalitis, which is a rare but well-known complication caused by monkeypox.
THL has updated the definitions of close contact
The definition of close contact with a person who has fallen ill with monkeypox has been specified at the beginning of August. The most important close contact group is still those who have been in sexual contact with an infected person.
This year, most of the infections outside Africa have come through sexual contact. Anybody can be infected, but according to WHO, infections are especially prevalent among men who have sex with men, and with new or numerous partners. Condoms, when used correctly, give protection against several different sexually transmitted diseases, but they do not give adequate protection against monkeypox. It is important to take the risk of infection into account especially in the case of new or multiple sexual contacts.
Monkeypox is not easily transmitted from person to person, and it is not typically transmitted in brief everyday contact. The risk of monkeypox spreading more widely among the population is low.
The disease usually heals by itself
Monkeypox is typically accompanied by a skin condition with papules or blisters for which there is no other explanation. Before the skin reacts, other typical symptoms of infection may appear, such as fever or headache.
Treatment of monkeypox is symptomatic, and the disease usually goes away on its own in a few weeks. Serious forms of the disease usually occur among patients whose immune defences have been weakened by other illnesses or by medical treatment.
If you suspect that you have been infected with monkeypox, avoid physical contact with others, and contact medical services initially by telephone before seeking treatment. It is particularly important to avoid close contact with pregnant women and children, as well as with persons with a severe underlying disease and therefore a reduced immune system.
Vaccinations are expected to help stop the epidemic
Finland and several other EU countries are receiving vaccines for preventing monkeypox in August. The vaccine is called Jynneos and it is used to prevent monkeypox both in the United States and in the EU. The vaccine provides protection against diseases caused by orthopox viruses, such as smallpox and monkeypox. Vaccines can be offered to persons assessed to be at the highest risk of contracting monkeypox. There is no need to vaccinate the overall population.
Further information
Close contacts of a person with monkeypox
Jari Jalava
Chief Specialist
THL
tel. +358 29 524 6629
[email protected]
