The space between November and December 2024 18 confirmed cases were reported to the National Public Health Organization (EODY). mpox (monkey pox).

According to the EODY, there has been an increase in mpox incidents recently in Greece and the spread of the mpox virus continues in our country, just like internationally.

mpox is a viral infection caused by infection with the mpox virus. THE mpox virus is genetically similar to the smallpox virusbut less contagious causing milder symptoms.

Human-to-human transmission occurs through contact with skin lesions/bodily fluids of the sufferer and/or contaminated objects, as well as through respiratory droplets following prolonged close contact over a short distance.

The symptoms mpox virus infection include: Fever, headache, myalgias, back pain, lymphadenopathy, chills and exhaustion, while a characteristic rash usually appears 1 to 5 days after the onset of symptoms. Although there is no specific treatment, most patients make a full recovery in a few weeks.

Ways mpox is transmitted include:

*Close personal contact

*Exposure to biological fluids

*Contact with contaminated surfaces or objects (eg bedding, articles of clothing/clothing)

Based on the existing epidemiological data in Greece, the mpox disease is mainly sexually transmitted.

EODY recommends:

*Avoid close contact with people who have symptoms (fever, headache, myalgias, back pain, lymphadenopathy, chills and exhaustion, or a characteristic rash that appears 1 to 5 days after the onset of symptoms)

*If you experience symptoms, seek medical help and avoid sexual contact or close contact with other people

*mpox vaccination according to relevant recommendations for high-risk groups.’Men who have sex with men (MSM), men who have sex with men and women, transgender people, non-binary people. All individuals from the above groups are considered at increased risk if they have a recent history of multiple sexual partners, or have contracted a sexually transmitted disease in the last 3 months.

Vaccination is also recommended for health and care professionals who work in places or conditions with an increased risk of exposure to the mpox type virus (e.g. laboratories, special units, vaccination centers, missions to areas with an increased risk of infection with the virus smallpox type mpox etc). People participating in humanitarian missions, people belonging to high-risk groups, people visiting relatives and friends who travel to regions of the countries that are affected (the list of regions of the countries is updated by EODY and is available on its website) . People who have been in close physical contact with a confirmed case of the mpox virus, including people living in the same family environment. The vaccine should be given as soon as possible, preferably within 4 days of exposure. Vaccination up to 14 days after exposure is also recommended as it may provide protection. Vaccination is only done if the person in close contact with the case has not developed symptoms.

Among the people who belong to the above categories, he is particularly important the vaccination of immunocompromised individuals. Also, people who do not belong to the above categories can be vaccinated.

Vaccination against mpox is carried out at the following vaccination centers:

PGN Alexandroupolis

Contact Days & Hours: Wednesday 09:00-12:00

Contact Phone: 2251 352510

PGN Thessaloniki “ACHEPA”

Contact Days & Hours: Wednesday 09:00-12:00

Contact Phone: 2313 303333

PGN Heraklion “PAGNI”

Contact Days & Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-14:00

Contact Phone: 2810 542107

GN of Aphrodisiacs and Skin Diseases “Andrea Syggros”

Contact Days & Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-14:00

Contact Phone: 210 7295310 / 210 7265159

PGN “Attikon”

Contact Days & Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-14:00

Contact phone number: 210 5831656

PGN Patras “Our Lady of Help”

Contact Days & Hours: Wednesday-Thursday 09:00-14:00

Contact Phone: 2613 603689

Citizens are advised to follow the instructions of their doctors in case of any rash or unusual skin damage.

As stated in the relevant announcement EODY is alert and closely monitors the evolution of the occurrence of cases in collaboration with the services of Nursing Institutions as well as the European Public Health agencies, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).