Monkeypox epidemic continues around the world - four cases reported in Finland

The monkeypox epidemic which began in the spring of 2022 continues to spread around the world, especially in Europe and North America. Monkeypox appears locally in African countries, and this year it has been diagnosed in other countries as well. Infections diagnosed elsewhere have occurred mainly among people who have not travelled in areas where monkeypox is prevalent. 

As of 23 June, about 3,300 cases of monkeypox had been detected in 2022. The greatest number of cases have been in the UK, Spain, Germany, Portugal, Canada, and France. There have been infections in a total of 42 different countries. This year four monkeypox infections have been detected in Finland, all of which originate from outside the country. 

The World Health Organisation has held a meeting on monkeypox starting on 23 June to consider renaming the disease, and to discuss further measures to stop the epidemic. Measures being considered at the meeting include the classification of the disease as an international threat to public health.

Disease not very contagious and usually heals on its own 

Monkeypox does not spread easily from person to person, and it is not typically transmitted in brief everyday contacts. The risk of a wider spread of monkeypox among the population is small.

This year most of the infections outside Africa came 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.

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 heals  on its own in a few weeks. Serious clinical presentations are possible among patients with underlying immune deficiencies caused  by other diseases or medical treatments.   

If you suspect that you have been infected by monkeypox, avoid physical contact with others, and contact healthcare  by telephone before seeking treatment.

Further information

What is monkeypox? (THL)
 
Jari Jalava
Chief Specialist
THL
tel. +358 29 524 6629
[email protected]