Recently, there has been a new outbreak of the monkeypox virus globally, including in Israel. The Ministry of Health in Israel has reported cases of the virus in January, February, and March of 2024. Children commonly acquire infections through contact with infected animals or humans, while the majority of infection cases in adults are attributed to sexual contact, particularly between men. Women may also contract the virus through sexual contact with men who have sex with men.
The monkeypox virus is closely related to smallpox but is less contagious and causes milder symptoms. Symptoms typically include fever, headache, muscle pain, and a rash that spreads across the body. The virus can be transmitted through contact with infected animals or humans as well as through saliva fragments from close contact. In Israel, most cases of infection have occurred during sexual intercourse between homosexual or bisexual men.
As the Ministry of Health continues to monitor the situation, they advise individuals at risk to receive vaccination to protect themselves against the virus. It is important to stay informed about the spread of the virus and take necessary precautions to prevent its transmission.
