Finances News Hebdo: How do you assess the level of risk that Mpox represents for the Moroccan population?
Dr. Tayeb Hamdi: The risk that Mpox poses to the Moroccan population can be assessed across four main levels:
1. The risk of importation: This involves determining the probability that cases of Mpox will be imported into Morocco. Like other countries, Morocco is not immune to the importation of this virus. With the new GLAD1B strain, more transmissible than the previous one (2022), the risk of importation exists, particularly because of the geographical proximity and cultural relations with certain African countries. Although the efforts of the WHO and the various countries aim to contain the virus, imported cases in Morocco are inevitable.
2. The risk of local spread (secondary cases): Once imported cases are detected, there is a risk of local spread, thus creating secondary cases. However, thanks to the experience and monitoring systems of the Moroccan health system, it is likely that local transmission will be limited. The visible symptoms of Mpox facilitate detection and the implementation of control measures.
3. The risk to the health of the population: This virus mainly affects vulnerable people, such as those with immunity problems, pregnant women, and children suffering from malnutrition. In the Moroccan context, with the current state of knowledge, it is unlikely that Mpox will cause major complications for the majority of the population.
4. The risk to social and economic life: Mpox, although closely monitored, is not expected to significantly disrupt social life, the economy, tourism or schooling in Morocco. It is a virus that has been known for decades, and is unlikely to cause major disruptions at these levels.
FNH: What specific measures has Morocco put in place to prevent the spread of the Mpox virus, particularly with regard to epidemiological surveillance?
Dr T. H. : In 2022, the WHO declared a global health emergency in response to the emergence of Mpox. As a result, Morocco implemented protocols to detect and control the virus. During the alert period, the country detected five cases, demonstrating the effectiveness of its surveillance system, even after the state of emergency was lifted in May 2023. The virus, initially associated with sex between men, is now more easily transmitted through other forms of intimate contact, increasing the risk of spread within the general population. In response, the Ministry of Health updated its protocols to detect imported cases early and limit local spread. These protocols include raising awareness among travelers, early detection of symptoms, and effective patient management.
FNH: What are the screening and isolation protocols currently in force for patients suspected or confirmed to have Mpox in Morocco?
Dr T. H. : The Ministry of Health has updated the screening and isolation protocols to combat Mpox. These protocols define the criteria for identifying a probable case, based on specific clinical signs and the history of travel or contact with infected persons. The samples required to confirm a case are also specified, as well as the laboratories authorized to carry out the tests. In terms of isolation, cases without particular severity can be isolated at home for three weeks. On the other hand, serious cases, particularly in immunocompromised people, require stricter isolation measures. Although Mpox presents a certain severity in risk groups, the general population remains relatively safe from serious complications.
FNH: Should a national vaccination strategy against Mpox be implemented in Morocco, and if so, which populations would be priority?
Dr T. H. : At present, a national vaccination strategy against Mpox in Morocco is not envisaged. Experts agree that if rich countries support African countries affected by the virus, global spread can be prevented. However, even in affected countries, mass vaccination is not recommended. Only certain at-risk populations, such as health workers or particularly affected regions, should be vaccinated. Morocco is still far from a widespread vaccination campaign. There are vaccines authorized in Europe and the United States, but their production remains limited. WHO is working to increase production capacity, but for now, a large vaccination campaign is neither medically justified nor logistically feasible.
FNH: Has Morocco strengthened border controls and quarantine protocols to prevent the importation of new strains of Mpox?
Dr T. H. : Border health protocols have been strengthened, but it is important to understand that these measures cannot completely prevent the virus from entering. The main objective of border controls is to detect cases of Mpox as early as possible and to educate travelers on the importance of reporting any suspicious symptoms. These public health measures – early detection, testing, isolation of positive cases, management of contacts – are essential to control the epidemic. They often allow an epidemic to be contained without resorting to mass vaccination, which is not always necessary.
FNH: In the event of an increase in cases, is the Moroccan health system sufficiently prepared in terms of resources, equipment, and personnel to deal with a possible resurgence of the epidemic?
Dr T. H. : The Moroccan health system has acquired solid expertise in managing health crises, including epidemics such as Covid-19. The country has sufficient human, logistical and material resources to cope with a possible resurgence of Mpox cases. If necessary, the public, private and military health sectors cooperate closely, supported by the territorial authorities who provide their logistical capacities. Morocco also has experience of successful vaccination campaigns, which can be mobilized in an emergency. Mpox is not a new virus, and unlike Covid-19, it does not require such intensive resources such as oxygen or intensive care beds. Morocco is therefore well prepared to manage an increase in cases without great difficulty. The question of vaccination remains open, depending on the evolution of the epidemic and the availability of doses, but for the moment, patient care is well ensured.
