Three new cases of monkeypox diagnosed in Finland: possibility of being infected in Finland worth considering
Three new cases of monkeypox have been diagnosed in Finland this week. There are now a total of 13 confirmed cases in Finland. 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.
Around 6,000 monkeypox cases have been diagnosed worldwide since mid-May. The countries with the highest numbers of reported cases have been the U.K., Spain, Germany, France, Portugal, and the United States. There have been cases in a total of 59 different countries.
Disease not very contagious and usually heals on its own
Monkeypox is not easily transmitted from person to person, and it is not typically transmitted in brief everyday contacts. The risk of monkeypox spreading more widely among the population is low.
This year, most of the infections outside Africa have come through sexual contact. Anyone can be infected, but the World Health Organisation WHO reports that infections have been highest among men who have had sex with other men, and with new, or several 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 goes away on its own in a few weeks. A serious form of the disease is possible among patients whose immune defences have been weakened by other illnesses or by medical treatment.
If you suspect that you have been infected by monkeypox, avoid physical contact with others, and contact medical services initially by telephone before seeking treatment.
Further information
Katja Kotkavaara
Communicable Disease Control Physician
THL
tartuntatautilaakari(at)thl.fi
