Facts: Monkey pox
During the spring of 2022, smallpox has been found in several countries.
Transmission of viruses seems to have taken place primarily through sexual contacts between men who have sex with men.
Monkey pox often causes rashes, sores and blisters. The symptoms are often mild but can be severe in people at risk.
All cases of infection with monkey pox must be reported to the infection control doctor in the region and to the Public Health Agency.
Source: Swedish Public Health Agency
This week, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the EU’s infection control agency ECDC called on authorities to release special information about monkey pox ahead of this summer’s festivals and events. FHM currently has no “summer campaign” underway but tries to provide continuous information instead.
– We provide information in situations where there is a high risk of sexual activity. We also try to get information out to risk groups, for example in social media, says Klara Sondén.
Summer is a risk period
The risk group includes, for example, people who have sex with several partners at the same time and people who have sex with anonymous partners.
The work takes place in close collaboration with RFSU and other relevant organizations.
Klara Sondén says that based on previous experience, they know that summer is a period when sexually transmitted diseases become more widespread.
– This applies to sexually transmitted diseases in general – including monkey pox. It may well be that the disease increases this summer, she says.
A possible reason for the increased spread is the summer’s many festivals and parties in combination with increased alcohol consumption.
Infects via cutlery
According to the WHO, monkey pox can also be spread through cutlery, plates, bedding and towels used by someone infected. It is not yet known whether monkey pox can also be spread by infected people who have not had time to get any symptoms. FHM has chosen not to lift these transmission routes.
– Our focus is to highlight situations where there is the highest risk of infection, such as sexual activity and other close contact.
FHM strongly recommends that you always use a condom.
– You should also think before having sex with multiple or anonymous partners. If you get a rash, you should avoid having sex and seek care, says Klara Sondén.
Sweden currently has ten people infected with monkey pox. FHM will now develop a national plan for how a possible vaccination against the virus will proceed.