The cases were found in seven localities mostly in the southern region, including HCM City with 46 cases, and some provinces of Lam Dong (two cases), Long An Province (two cases), Binh Duong (one case), Dong Nai (one case), Can Tho (one case), and Tay Ninh (one case).
According to the ministry, about 63 percent of monkeypox patients are also living with HIV, while 46 percent of the cases were suffering from other sexually transmitted diseases.
The average age of monkeypox patients is 32, with 92.90 percent being men, the ministry said.
One patient has died.
The ministry warned that this is a new epidemic and several community transmission cases have been recorded.
Considering these factors, it is likely that the country will record more new cases, especially in major cities. The Ministry of Health has classified monkeypox in the list of group B infectious diseases.
The disease is transmitted between people through close contact with an infected person. Suspected symptoms of the disease include the sudden appearance of acute rashes in the form of fluid-filled or pus-filled blisters without an obvious cause. Once the disease is confirmed, patients should strictly adhere to healthcare professional guidance in care and treatment to minimise complications and follow infection prevention measures.
Most patients will recover after 10 to 14 days and stop spreading the disease after 21 days. However, the disease can cause serious complications, or even be life-threatening for immunocompromised people like those infected with AIDS, cirrhosis, or diabetes.
