NewsDesk @bactiman63

The Colombia Ministry of Health and Social Protection and the National Institute of Health confirm, after analysis and medical tests, three cases of monkeypox in the national territory.

Colombia/CIA

Two cases, adults of Colombian nationality, were identified in Bogotá with a history of travel to Europe and, after taking serum samples, exudate from lesions and pharyngeal swabs, they are in isolation with contact tracing.

The third case identified was a young adult in Medellin, also isolated and with contact tracing completed.

“Manifestations of monkeypox usually include fever, severe headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, swollen lymph nodes, and a skin rash or maculopapular lesions,” said Claudia Cuéllar, director of Epidemiology and Demography at the Ministry of Health.

Additionally, Cuéllar called for these reports not to generate alarm or panic in the population and invited them to be vigilant of symptoms and contacts with suspected cases. “In the presence of any of these symptoms and if you were in contact with a suspected case, call your EPS or go to the nearest health center,” he said.

The rash usually begins one to three days after the onset of the fever. The lesions may be flat or slightly raised, filled with clear or yellowish fluid, and may then crust over, dry out, and fall off.

In most cases, the symptoms go away on their own within a few weeks, but in some people they can lead to medical complications and even death.