The incubation period for the disease ranges from 5 to 21 days. Transmission occurs through direct contact with the skin lesions of an infected person, or indirectly through contaminated items such as bedding or towels. Transmission of the virus through the air or respiratory droplets is considered rare. Although the disease is often mild and lasts for two to three weeks, isolating the patient remains a crucial measure and should continue until full recovery and the healing of skin lesions to prevent transmission to others. The French island of Réunion has entered a state of health alert following the confirmation of a monkeypox case in a person who recently returned from Madagascar. The island's health authorities have implemented surveillance and prevention measures, especially at border crossings, by isolating the patient and activating the approved prevention protocol. According to French media, close contacts of the patient have been identified and placed under close medical monitoring as part of efforts to cut off any possible chain of infection. Monkeypox is a viral disease characterized mainly by a vesicular rash, which may be accompanied by fever and swollen lymph nodes.
