Central and South America: Officials report confirmed monkeypox cases in multiple countries in the region through November /update 7 | CPT PPP Coverage

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Event

Health officials in Central and South America continue to identify monkeypox cases, with 19,715 confirmed cases reported June 2-Nov. 18. Most cases are reported from Brazil (9,655 confirmed cases). Disease activity has also been reported in Colombia (3,719 confirmed cases), Peru (3,359 confirmed cases), Chile (1,260 confirmed cases), Argentina (862 confirmed cases), Ecuador (346 confirmed cases), Bolivia (250 confirmed cases), Guatemala (141 confirmed cases), Panama (34 confirmed cases), Costa Rica (21 confirmed cases), El Salvador (19 confirmed cases), Paraguay (14 confirmed cases), Uruguay (14 confirmed cases), Venezuela (10 confirmed cases), and Honduras (10 confirmed cases). As disease surveillance and contact tracing continue, officials will likely identify additional cases in the coming weeks. This report represents the most updated information as of Nov. 21.

Context

The first confirmed case of monkeypox in the Central and South American region was reported in Argentina June 3. This case is associated with the widespread outbreak of monkeypox reported by individuals who attended one or more mass gatherings in May in Antwerp, Belgium, as well as Madrid and Gran Canaria in Spain, or reported recent close contact with an attendee. Mass gatherings always present an elevated risk of infectious disease transmission. Human-to-human transmission occurs among people in close physical contact, with the increase in recent cases linked to sexual contact suggesting that the virus linked to the disease can be sexually transmitted. The current outbreak highlights the importance of vigilant safe sexual practices and suggests monkeypox can be transmitted while the infected person displays few or no symptoms; however, the risk is currently assessed as low for individuals not routinely engaging with multiple or anonymous sexual partners.

Monkeypox does not naturally occur in South America; most cases are reported in West and Central Africa, primarily in the DRC, Nigeria, and Cameroon, among individuals who report contact with wild primates or other mammals which may harbor the disease.

Monkeypox is caused by a virus belonging to the same family as the one that causes smallpox. However, monkeypox is not the same as smallpox, and it does not have the same capacity for rapid human-to-human transmission. Monkeypox is mainly transmitted to humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected rodents or primates. Human-to-human transmission primarily occurs through close personal contact with an infected individual via respiratory droplets, direct contact with bodily fluids, or indirect contact with lesion material (e.g., contaminated clothing or bedding). Symptoms typically appear 6-16 days after exposure but can develop up to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms generally include fever, headache, muscle aches and backaches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and a distinctive rash characterized by lesions that progress through several stages before falling off.

Advice

Practice basic health precautions, including frequent handwashing with soap and water, covering the nose and mouth when coughing, and avoiding obviously ill individuals. Avoid overcrowded areas, such as nightclubs, and consider using safe sexual practices, such as physical barriers (condoms), in countries reporting monkeypox transmission. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop within two weeks of being in affected areas. Vaccines are available but limited.

Resources

US CDC: Monkeypox advice sheet