In Greece, as throughout the world, there is an increase in diseases caused by the mpox virus. It is genetically similar to the smallpox virus, but is less contagious and causes milder symptoms.
According to the National Public Health Organization, Between November and December 2024, 18 confirmed cases of monkeypox were reported in Greece*, and the spread of the mpox virus continues, writes newsbeast.gr.
Transmission of infection from person to person occurs through contact with skin lesions or biological fluids of a patient, as well as through contaminated objects or by airborne droplets. after prolonged close contact over a short distance. Based on available epidemiological data, smallpox in Greece is mainly sexually transmitted. Symptoms of mpox infection:
- fever,
- headache,
- myalgia (muscle pain),
- back pain,
- lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes),
- chills,
- exhaustion.
The characteristic rash usually appears 1–5 days after symptoms begin. There is no specific treatment, but most patients recover completely within a few weeks. ΕΟΔΥ recommends:
- Avoid close contact with people who have symptoms.
- If symptoms occur, seek medical attention and avoid sexual contact or close contact with other people.
- Be vaccinated against smallpox according to appropriate recommendations for high-risk groups.
Are at increased risk: men who have sex with men; men who have sex with men and women; transgender people; non-binary people; having a recent history of multiple sexual partners or having had a sexually transmitted disease within the last 3 months.
Vaccination is recommended for health and care workerswho work in places or conditions with an increased risk of contracting the smallpox virus – laboratories, special units, vaccination centers, etc.
The vaccine should be administered as soon as possible after exposure to someone with monkeypox symptoms, preferably within 4 days of exposure. Vaccination within 14 days of exposure is also recommended as it may provide protection. Vaccination is carried out only if the person who was in close contact with the sick person does not develop symptoms. Vaccination of immunocompromised individuals is of particular importance.
Vaccination against smallpox is carried out at the following vaccination centers:
ΠΓΝ Αλεξανδρούπολης. Reception days and hours: Wednesday 09:00-12:00. Contact phone: 2251 352510.
ΠΓΝ Θεσσαλονίκης “ΑΧΕΠΑ”. Reception days and hours: Wednesday 09:00-12:00. Contact phone: 2313 303333
ΠΓΝ Ηρακλείου “ΠΑΓΝΗ”. Reception days and hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-14:00. Contact phone: 2810 542107.
Γ.Ν. Αφροδισίων και Δερματικών Νόσων “Ανδρέας Συγγρός.” Reception days and hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-14:00. Contact phone: 210 7295310 / 210 7265159.
ΠΓΝ “Αττικόν”. Reception days and hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-14:00. Contact phone: 210 5831656.
ΠΓΝ Πατρών “Παναγία η Βοήθεια.” Reception days and hours: Wednesday-Thursday 09:00-14:00. Contact phone: 2613 603689.
Citizens are advised to follow doctors' instructions if they develop a rash or unusual skin lesions. As stated in the corresponding announcement, ΕΟΔΥ is closely monitoring the development of cases in collaboration with specialized institutions, as well as European public health authorities, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control and the World Health Organization (WHO).
You can read more about this disease in our material. “All about monkeypox: causes, symptoms, spread, outcome, prevention.”
*Monkey pox an infectious disease of animals and humans, characterized by fever, general intoxication and the appearance of exanthema. The causative agent of monkeypox is the mpox virus from the poxvirus family, genetically it is close to the variola virus, the causative agent of human smallpox.
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