Brussels implements monkeypox hotline from 22 August

People with questions about the monkeypox virus, its symptoms, prevention and available vaccines will be able to access a hotline in Brussels from 22 August, reports Bruzz. 

Anyone looking for more information, can call 02.214.19.29.

The hotline, intended for the general public and health professionals, is available Monday to Friday from 9.00 to 17.30 and on Saturday from 9.00 to 13.00 in French, Dutch and English.

The Joint Community Commission says it will not be possible to make an appointment for testing or vaccination through this channel, which is intended only for informational purposes. 

There have been 624 confirmed cases of monkeypox in Belgium so far, with 36% of those cases detected in Brussels, according to figures from health institute Sciensano. 

The monkeypox vaccine is now being distributed in more Brussels hospitals, with screenings available for people meeting certain criteria. 

Hundreds of cases but no deaths

There are 336 cases of monkeypox in Flanders (54%), 223 in Brussels (36%) and 65 in Wallonia (10%).

Almost all patients (96%) had skin lesions. About 66% of patients also had general symptoms such as fever and feeling unwell, while 34% had swollen lymph nodes.

Although 29 people were hospitalised, none of them ended up in an intensive care unit and no deaths have been reported in Belgium. 

The virus is still mainly transmitted through sexual contact between men.