Morocco Implements National Monkeypox Surveillance Plan as Global Cases Rise

Even if for many Moroccan epidemiologists, it is unlikely that the disease will reach Morocco, the ministry has taken steps through the implementation of a national surveillance and response plan against the disease. "Any person presenting a skin rash, vesicular or vesiculopustular, with a fever above 38 degrees will be considered a suspected case," the ministry said.

According to the department led by Khalid Ait Taleb, even "persons who have had contact with a confirmed case within 21 days prior to the onset of symptoms, or any suspected case who has traveled to a country where the disease is endemic or a country that has recorded a chain of transmission since early May 2022, or any suspected case with involvement of the palms of the hands and/or soles of the feet, or with the presence of lymphadenopathy will be considered as probable cases."

The ministry informs Moroccans that any suspected or probable case must be immediately reported to the provincial or prefectural health authority to which the health facility (public or private) where the doctor has raised the diagnosis belongs. "The provincial/prefectural delegation of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection coordinates, urgently, with the regional health service the verification of the case definition and proceeds to the epidemiological investigation as soon as the case is classified as a probable case," it adds.

The ministry’s plan advises a two-week self-isolation for any person presenting clinical signs compatible with a suspected case, even if it is not classified as probable or if a strong suspicion of chickenpox or other rash fevers is not established. Strict compliance with hygiene measures is recommended, and symptomatic treatment must be prescribed by the attending physician and, if hospitalization is indicated, it must be done in isolation in a room reserved for this type of case.

In the event that the disease affects a student, he or she will be immediately removed from the school or academic environment. If it is a civil servant or other state employee, sick leave is automatic, and they will have to follow a duly authorized treatment by a doctor for a period of 14 days. They will only be allowed to resume work after presenting a certificate of recovery, the ministry specifies.