Sexual contact has been one of the most frequent means of transmitting monkeypox infection on an international basis, and the same seems to be true for Peru, following a review of the cases reported so far,
National Health Institute (INS) Chief Victor Suarez said on Tuesday.
The expert in infectious and tropical diseases reported that many of the cases in the country involve anogenital lesions, which suggests sexual contact.
However, other cases involved contact with clothing contaminated with body secretions of infected people or transmission by air.
"In our cases, sexual contact now seems to be the main route of infection and the risk behavior is defined as frequent sexual contacts or sexual contact," he said in statements to TVPeru.
Suarez remarked that, although the most affected population are men who have sex with other men, the transmission of the virus can occur between any two individuals, since it occurs through skin-to-skin contact, even more so if the infected people have injuries and are not isolated.
Regarding the concern that the monkeypox virus can be transmitted through a handshake, the head of the INS warned that this could happen as long as the individuals have lesions (blisters) on their hands and the contact lasts longer.
"If they have blisters (in any part of the body), they need to see a doctor to get a diagnosis," he explained
"If people had sexual or close physical contact with someone who has such lesions, they should still go to the nearest health facility to be diagnosed and isolated, as well as to prevent the transmission," the expert added.
(END) CRR/RMB/MVB
Publicado: 26/7/2022