Latest situation of monkeypox cases in Argentina in 2024

On September 2 local time, the Argentine Ministry of Health released a report stating that in 2024, the country has cumulatively confirmed 22 cases of monkeypox.

Since May 2022, the monkeypox epidemic situation in Argentina has received attention. Data shows that as of September 2 this year, Argentina has cumulatively confirmed 1,171 cases of monkeypox.

This year, the Argentine Ministry of Health has been closely monitoring the development of monkeypox cases. On August 19, the country's Ministry of Health had reported that 8 confirmed cases of monkeypox had been found. The patients are between 23 and 38 years old, with an average age of 34. Four of them have a travel history. On August 26, the Ministry of Health reported that the number of confirmed cases had risen to 10. Five cases were found in the capital city of Buenos Aires. The average age of the 10 confirmed patients is 35 years old. The youngest is 23 years old and the oldest is 49 years old. There are 9 men. Four have a travel history or contact history with travelers. The main symptoms are blister-like rashes on different parts of the body, fever and myalgia.

Facing the monkeypox epidemic, the Argentine government attaches great importance. The Ministry of Health has strengthened prevention and control measures at all entry points on land, ports and airports according to the guidelines of the International Health Regulations, and has prioritized national epidemiological surveillance operations in order to carry out epidemic prevention and control work such as detecting suspected cases, early diagnosis, scientific care, implementing isolation measures and tracing contacts.

Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease. The initial symptoms of human infection with the monkeypox virus include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, and swollen lymph nodes, which can then develop into extensive rashes on the face and body. Most infected people will recover within a few weeks, but some infected people may have severe illness or even die. The Argentine government and health departments will continue to pay attention to the development of the epidemic and take active measures to prevent and control the spread of the epidemic to ensure the health and safety of the people. The international community is also closely watching the monkeypox epidemic dynamics in Argentina and other regions around the world.