On Friday afternoon, Minister of Health Paulette Lenert gave a press conference to address the rising number of monkeypox cases in the Grand Duchy.
The politician from the Luxembourg Socialist Workers’ Party (LSAP) explained that people with several sexual partners are particularly at risk of contracting the virus.
Although some communities have been more affected than others, monkeypox can theoretically affect anyone, Lenert noted. In Luxembourg, 45 men and one child have been infected thus far.
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Dr Jean-Claude Schmit, director of the Health Directorate, was also present and provided further insight into transmission, which happens through direct and close contact. This does not necessarily have to be sexual intercourse, stressed the physician.
By now, it has also become clear that there are asymptomatic cases. However, it has yet to be determined whether unaffected patients can still be infectious.
133 people have already gotten the first jab of the monkeypox vaccine. 380 further people are registered to get inoculated. Although Luxembourg ordered a total of 2,500 doses, only 1,400 have made it to the Grand Duchy thus far. A second delivery is expected to arrive in December.
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Members of at-risk groups are advised to consult a doctor or call the Covid hotline. Employees at the call centre have received additional training to handle monkeypox-related questions.