New case of monkeypox identified in Terni

A case of infectious monkeypox disease (Mpox) has been registered in Terni. The news was reported by the Umbria 2 Local Health Authority. "The subject, a young man, is in good general health while the public health system promptly activated all the measures required, in line with national protocols" the health authority communicated. The epidemiological investigation immediately conducted by the Umbria 2 Local Health Authority - it is stated in a note - has allowed the identification of a single "at risk" contact, for whom 21-day health surveillance has already been activated. The case has also been included in the Premal surveillance platform, which allows coordinated monitoring at a national level. Monkeypox or "monkeypox" is an infectious disease caused by a virus belonging to the same family as human smallpox - it is further explained -, but with generally milder characteristics. The virus is transmitted mainly through close and prolonged contact with infected people, body fluids, skin or mucous lesions, or contaminated objects (such as sheets, towels). Respiratory transmission is defined as "possible, but usually occurs only in the case of close and prolonged contact". The disease usually presents with flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, followed by the appearance of a characteristic rash, which can affect the face, hands, feet or other parts of the body. The Local Health Authority emphasizes that in most cases, monkeypox is a self-limiting disease and tends to heal spontaneously in 2-4 weeks. Severe forms are rare and are more easily observed in immunosuppressed people. Health authorities follow clear protocols to identify, isolate and monitor cases and contacts. If necessary, vaccination can be offered as a precaution to close contacts at risk. "The surveillance and prevention measures activated in Umbria are effective and fully operational" states the Local Health Authority. According to which "it is important to rely exclusively on official sources, avoiding the spread of unverified news that can generate confusion or alarmism, if necessary contact your doctor or local health authorities for any doubts or clarifications". From February to April 2025, according to the latest data from the joint report on mpox by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the WHO office for Europe, 713 cases of mpox were recorded in Europe, 61 of which in Italy. The WHO continues to classify mpox as a public health emergency of international concern. Its spread, at the moment, is concentrated above all in Central Africa, but the virus has not stopped circulating in the rest of the world. The ECDC/WHO report confirms that Europe also continues to be affected by the epidemic. Of the last 713 cases recorded, almost half occurred in Spain (151) and Germany (146). Italy follows with 61 cases, followed by Sweden (50), the United Kingdom (49), and France (47). The spread of the new strain of mpox (clade Ib) remains limited and linked to travel abroad. Since August last year, only 32 cases have been identified in Europe: 12 in the United Kingdom, 10 in Germany, 5 in Belgium, 3 in France, and 1 each in Sweden and Switzerland.