First case of monkeypox in  Basal

The virus infected a 53-year-old man from Basel-Stadt. He's gone into hiding.

While traveling abroad, a man from Basel-Stadt became infected with the monkeypox virus. The Department of Health (GD) announced this on Friday. It is the canton's first confirmed case.

According to the GD, the infected man is 53 years old and contracted the disease in Europe. He is isolated and has only minor symptoms. The man is being cared for by the contact tracing team, which is currently searching for any potential contacts.

In Switzerland, six cases have been reported.

Monkeypox is a less dangerous cousin to smallpox, which has been eradicated for approximately 40 years. The illness starts with a high fever and quickly progresses to a rash with crust formation.

According to the most recent data from the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) on Friday, eight cases of monkeypox have been reported in Switzerland.

Animals to humans transmission

The Orthopoxvirus causes Affenpocken, a viral infectious disease. Although human clinical images resemble Pocken (Variola), Affenpocken-Ansteckungen are generally milder.

The infection was most likely spread to humans by animals, most likely nagetieren (Zoonose). According to BAG, human-to-human transmissions are currently in the spotlight. This can happen through the Atemwegssekrete or -tröpfchen, but it can also happen through the skin and sleeve. Contaminated items such as bedding, clothing, hygiene products, or doorknobs can also spread infection. It is not safe to insert a sperma or vaginalsekret.