A Suspected Case of Mpox Reported in Mauritius: What You Need to Know About This Disease
A suspected case of Mpox has been reported in Mauritius. The individual is a Mauritian man in his forties who returned from a trip to Madagascar five days ago. This information was confirmed on Tuesday evening by the Director of Health Services, Dr. Fazil Khodabocus.
According to existing protocols, passengers arriving from Madagascar are monitored by health services for 21 days due to the high number of Mpox cases reported on the island.
"Since the patient exhibited skin issues, the Casualty Officer referred him as a suspected case. He has been admitted in isolation at Victoria Hospital. Tests have been conducted, and a skin sample has been taken. Results are expected on Wednesday around 1 PM," explained Dr. Fazil Khodabocus.
Mpox (monkeypox) is an infectious disease caused by a virus. It can lead to painful skin rashes, swollen lymph nodes, and fever. Most individuals recover completely, but some may develop severe forms.
The last confirmed case in Mauritius dates back to 2024, as noted by Dr. Khodabocus. The patient, a foreign national, was treated for 21 days before recovering.
Anyone can contract Mpox. Transmission occurs through close contact with an infected person (touching, kissing, sexual relations), contact with infected animals (during hunting, handling, or cooking), contaminated objects (sheets, clothing, needles), or from mother to child during pregnancy.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms typically appear within a week of exposure but can occur between 1 and 21 days. They usually last from two to four weeks.
The most common symptoms include:
- Rash
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Lower back pain
- Fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes
The rash starts as a flat lesion that evolves into a fluid-filled vesicle, which may be painful or itchy. As it heals, the lesions dry out, form scabs, and eventually disappear.
Lesions can appear on various parts of the body, including:
- Palms of the hands and soles of the feet
- Face, mouth, and throat
- Groin and genital organs
Infected individuals remain contagious until all lesions have healed. Children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk for complications.
Treatment and Vaccination
Treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms, managing pain, and preventing complications. Early intervention is crucial.
Vaccination can help prevent infection. It is recommended within four days of exposure to a confirmed case (up to 14 days if no symptoms are present).
It is particularly advised for at-risk individuals, including:
- Healthcare professionals
- Men who have sex with men
- Individuals with multiple sexual partners
- Sex workers
Infected individuals should be isolated to prevent further spread.
Antivirals, such as tecovirimat, initially developed for smallpox, may be used in certain cases. Ongoing studies are being conducted to refine their effectiveness.
In most cases, patients recover within two to four weeks.