The Regional Directorate for Health has confirmed that as of today, June the 28th, Madeira has registered its first Monkeypox case. Which was later validated by the Dr. Ricardo Jorge, national reference laboratory.
The patient in question is an adult male, who recently returned from a trip to the Lisbon and Tagus Valley region. He is being monitored by the Health Service of the Autonomous Region of Madeira (RAM), having taken all the measures indicated to control the infection.
It should be noted that, to date, no other suspected cases of Monkeypox infection have been identified in RAM. However, the epidemiological investigations are ongoing.
Please note, that anyone suffering from ulcerative lesions or skin rash, possibly accompanied by palpable lymph nodes, fever, chills, headache, muscle pain and tiredness, should refrain from close physical contact and seek clinical advice.
Reacting to the news, the Regional Director of Health, Herberto Jesus stated that there was no cause for alarm but confirmed that the health authorities will remain vigilant.
While being interviewed on 88.8 WMFM, Herberto Jesus said that there are no other suspected cases for the time being, however, he did emphasise that the regions doctors advise citizens to take hygiene care “very seriously,” especially with regard to ‘intimate contacts.’
Regarding the patient in question, the Health Director stated that the unnamed man will fulfill his mandatory 21 quarantine period, and that from a clinical point of view, he is stable.
In the event of a suspected Monkeypox infection, please contact the SRS Line 24 – 800 242420.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
