Malta has reported its second case of Mpox, a viral disease previously known as Monkeypox.
The Health Ministry confirmed that the latest case involved a Maltese resident who contracted the virus through sexual contact in Malta.
The individual is stable, does not require hospitalization, and has been isolated. Authorities are conducting contact tracing and further testing to determine the specific strain of the virus.
The first case reported last week was identified as Clade II, a less severe strain of the Mpox virus, which has a lower mortality rate compared to Clade I, primarily found in Central Africa.
Clade II is responsible for the global Mpox outbreak that began in 2022, mostly spreading through human-to-human sexual transmission.
Malta has investigated 35 cases related to this outbreak up to 2023, with the latest case being the first for 2024.
Mpox spreads through close physical contact, including skin-to-skin and respiratory interactions. The Health Ministry advises practicing safe sex, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, maintaining good hygiene, and seeking medical advice if symptoms occur.
A vaccine is available free of charge for primary contacts of Mpox patients in Malta.
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