Kosovo: 1st Mpox case reported in returning traveler from Africa
The National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo informs the public that yesterday, the Microbiology Laboratory through the RT-PCR method has confirmed an imported case of Mpox, previously known as Monkeypox.
The male case (30 years old), a citizen of the Republic of Kosovo, was hospitalized at the Infectious Diseases Clinic/QKUK on December 24, after returning from a West African country, with symptoms such as temperature, fever, changes in the skin, face, hands and itching.
The patient is in stable health.
The National Institute of Public Health has traced all declared contacts of the infected person and their family members, who have been given recommendations for infection prevention and control measures.
The National Institute of Public Health (NIPHK) draws attention to the need for citizens to be careful, because people infected with Mpox usually experience mild or moderate symptoms that last two to four weeks, and recover completely. Although vigilance is needed, there is no room for panic.
Today, health officials issued the following advice for travelers from Kosovo traveling to/from African countries affected by Mpox:
In its risk assessment of Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox), the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has assessed that it is highly likely that there will be more imported cases of Mpox in EU countries caused by the clade I virus currently circulating in Africa. So far, one case of Mpox has also been recorded in Sweden. However, according to the ECDC, the likelihood of spread in Europe is much lower, provided that imported cases are diagnosed quickly and control measures are implemented.
Based on the recommendations that ECDC has provided for EU countries, IKSHPK provides travel advice for citizens from Kosovo traveling/staying in African countries affected by Mpox.
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Be informed about the situation about Mpox in the countries you travel to: WHO and ECDC provide updated guidance on the epidemiological situation in affected countries.
Practice hand hygiene while traveling and staying: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid contact with infected animals and people: Do not come into contact with wild animals such as monkeys, rodents, etc., or people who have symptoms of Mpox, such as rash, fever, or skin changes/lesions.
Stay away from infected items used by sick people: Such as clothing, bed linens, towels, or materials used in healthcare settings.
Avoid sexual contact if you or your partner has symptoms until you have a negative test result.
Prevent infection : Use masks, especially in enclosed spaces or where there are crowds of people, and avoid direct contact with body fluids or infected wounds.
Vaccination : If vaccination is available in the country you are traveling to, get vaccinated, as some smallpox vaccines may offer protection against Mpox.
Take care of your food and water : Drink only bottled water and eat well-cooked food to reduce the risk of other infections that can worsen your health condition.
Isolate yourself in case of symptoms : If you develop symptoms similar to those of Mpox (fever, fatigue, muscle aches, rash, etc.), isolate yourself immediately and seek medical attention.
Check your health after travel : After returning, monitor your health for 21 days. If you develop any symptoms, seek medical attention immediately, inform your doctor of your travel history, and get tested!
These recommendations are intended to reduce the risk of infection and help protect your health while traveling.