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MONKEYPOX

Updated: Aug 17, 2022

UPDATE AUGUST 16th

Cases of monkeypox have been reported in Europe and around the world in recent months. As of the 10th of August, 41 cases have been confirmed in Luxembourg.

Since August 16th, vaccination is available in the country for MsM (men who have sex with men) and trans people with multiple partners and sexworkers.

More info about vaccination here.


What is monkeypox? Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that is usually transmitted to humans through contact with wild rodents or primates in the forest areas of Central and West Africa. It can also be transmitted from person to person in close contact, but the risk is usually lower.


How is it transmitted? Monkeypox virus can be transmitted from person to person through :

  • Direct contact with the skin lesions or mucous membranes of a sick person,

  • Droplets (saliva, sneezing, spitting…) during prolonged face-to-face contact,

  • contact with objects in the direct vicinity of a sick person (bed linen, bath towels, clothing).

Most of the current cases in Europe probably originate from transmission during sexual intercourse. The risk of transmission is increased in the case of direct contact with rashes or lesions in the area of the anus or genitals. On the other hand, the virus spreads more easily among people who have sex with multiple partners.


How can you protect yourself? Using condoms during sexual intercourse can protect against many sexually transmitted infections and also reduces the risk of transmission of the monkeypox virus. However, it does not completely protect against infection in the latter case, as contact with an injury can be enough to transmit the virus.


What are the symptoms? Symptoms include fever, headache, sore muscles, rash and blistering, itching, swollen lymph nodes, chills and fatigue.


What to do if symptoms occur? Contact the national infectious diseases service: 4, rue Ernest Barblé L-1210 Luxemburg. Tel.: 4411-3091

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