High suspicion of a monkeypox infection in the HUS area – it would be the first case in Finland

An infection caused by a virus belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus has been diagnosed in an adult male patient in the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa (HUS). Monkeypox and smallpox viruses belong to the Orthopoxvirus genus. The final confirmation of the possible monkeypox infection will be obtained when the sequencing of the sample is completed in the next few days. It would be the first case of monkeypox in Finland. 

The infection took place while travelling in Europe. Those who have been in close contact with the infected person have been tracked and instructed on how to prevent the spread of the infection. 

So far, approximately 120 cases related to the current monkeypox epidemic have been diagnosed outside of Africa.

The disease does not spread easily and usually heals by itself 

Monkeypox is not easily transmitted from person to person, as it often requires very close contact. Monkeypox is typically associated with a bumpy or blistering rash for which there is no other explanation. The rash may be preceded by other common symptoms of infection, such as fever or headache.   

The treatment of monkeypox is symptomatic, and the disease usually heals spontaneously within a few weeks. Developing a severe form of the disease is possible for those whose immune system has been weakened by other illnesses or medical treatment.   

Vaccinating those that have been exposed to monkeypox would involve next-generation smallpox vaccines, which are not currently available in Finland.

If you suspect that you have been infected with monkeypox, contact health care services by phone before seeking treatment.

Additional information 

Finland very likely has its first monkeypox infection (HUS press release 25 May 2022, in Finnish)   

What is monkeypox? (THL, in Finnish)   

Multi-country monkeypox outbreak in non-endemic countries (WHO)   
 
Communicable Disease Control Physician 
THL 
tel. +358 29 524 8557 
tartuntatautilaakari(a)thl.fi 

Otto Helve
Chief Physician
THL
tel. +358 29 524 7711
[email protected]