Two Cases of Monkeypox Among Sub-saharan Immigrants Trigger Alarms

The Directorate of Public Health and Pharmaceutical Regulation of the Ministry of Health and Consumption of Andalusia has been alerted about two possible cases of monkeypox. The affected individuals, who were staying at a hotel in Lepe, Huelva, have been isolated and are in the process of recovery while the diagnosis is being confirmed.

In light of this situation, health authorities have activated the corresponding protocols and implemented preventive measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

Origin of the Alert and Measures Taken

The situation was detected after Civil Guard agents received information about a possible monkeypox outbreak. This, in a hotel in Lepe, where immigrants are staying. This establishment hosts a group of immigrants recently transferred from the Canary Islands by the Government of Spain.

The Unified Association of Civil Guards (AUGC) expressed its concern last Sunday. After being informed unofficially, through a WhatsApp message, about the need to use masks and gloves when intervening in the hotel. As well as to disinfect vehicles and clothing due to the risk of contagion by contact or airborne transmission.

The AUGC had already warned about the presence of contagious diseases, such as monkeypox and scabies, among some of the immigrants staying at the establishment.

Reinforcement of Protocols and Vaccination

In response to these suspected cases, the Junta of Andalusia has updated the epidemiological surveillance protocols and conducted a risk assessment. Thus, following the guidelines of the Public Health Commission. Monitoring has been intensified for the rapid identification and diagnosis of possible Mpox cases.

Additionally, in coordination with the Ministry of Health and other autonomous communities, Andalusia has updated the recommendations for travelers visiting risk areas. Ensuring the dissemination of information in international vaccination centers.