Monkeypox causes skin lesions, headache, fever, general malaise and swollen glands, among other symptoms.    | Photo: Prensa Latina

Guatemala City, October 16 (RHC)-- Guatemala has 111 suspected cases of monkeypox, of which 45 have been ruled out and one is still under investigation.  The Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (Mspas) of Guatemala confirmed this Saturday six new cases of monkeypox and accumulates a total of 61 since its appearance in that Central American nation.

Through a statement, the Mspas reported that all patients are men aged between 21 and 26 years, residents of the departments of Guatemala (5) and Escuintla (1).  "So far, the epidemiological investigation has not determined that there is any relationship between them or with previously confirmed cases," the official document states.

The Mspas explains that those infected began with symptoms between October 5 and 10, and all are isolated in their homes while specialists monitor their evolution.  Guatemala has accumulated 111 suspected cases, of which 45 have been ruled out and one is still under investigation. Of the 61 confirmed cases so far, 19 have been recovered.

The Ministry of Health confirms six cases of monkeypox, all are men aged 28, 23, 21, 21, 26 and 36 years, five reside in 5 department of Guatemala and one in Escuintla.  According to indicate that all of them are isolated in their homes, with them are 61 cases.

They also call to go to the nearest health institution in case of any of the symptoms associated with the disease, such as the appearance of epidermal pustules, general malaise, fever, tiredness, fatigue, swollen glands, headache or muscle pain.  At the end of last July, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared monkeypox an international health emergency and has accumulated more than 70,000 known cases worldwide, with 26 deaths.

WHO statistics indicate that in the last few days the American continent has registered around 90 percent of the new infections, led by the United States.