Countries must take swift action to contain the spread of monkeypox and share data on their vaccine stockpiles. The alert was made by an official of the World Health Organization (WHO) this Friday (27).
“We think that if we put in place the right measures now, we can probably contain this easily,” said Sylvie Briand, WHO director for Global Preparedness for Infectious Hazards, at the 75th edition of the World Health Assembly, which takes place in Geneva, Switzerland.
Monkeypox is a generally mild viral infection that is endemic in parts of West and Central Africa.
The disease mainly spreads by close contact and, until the recent outbreak, was rarely seen in other parts of the world, which is why the recent surge of cases in Europe, the United States and other areas has raised alarms.
So far, there are about 300 confirmed or suspected cases in about 20 countries where the virus had not previously circulated.
“For us, the top priority right now is trying to contain this transmission in non-endemic countries,” Sylvie said in a technical statement to countries.
Necessary measures include early detection, case isolation and contact tracing he added.
Countries must also share information on first-generation smallpox vaccine stockpiles which may also be effective against monkeypox, Sylvie said.
“We don’t know exactly what number of doses available worldwide and that’s why we encourage countries to go to the WHO and tell us what their stocks are,” she said. A presentation slide of hers described global supplies as “very limited”.
Currently, experts from WHO are advising against mass vaccination suggesting targeted vaccination, when available, to close contacts of infected persons.
“Case investigation, contact tracing, isolation at home will be your best bets,” said Rosamund Lewis, head of the WHO smallpox secretariat, which is part of the WHO Emergencies Programme.
(Edited by Andrew Heavens)
Source: CNN Brasil
