Monkeypox: WHO removes distinction between endemic and non-endemic countries

Originally from Central and West Africa, the virus of monkey pox is now present on several continents.

Many cases in Europe

Many cases were confirmed from January 1 to June 15, “a total of 2,103 confirmed cases, one probable case and one death have been reported to WHO from 42 countries,” WHO said. in a press release providing an update on the situation, dated June 17.

On June 23, it will assess whether the current outbreak represents a “public health emergency of international concern”, its highest level of alert.

Due to this strong circulation of the virus, the WHO has indicated that it has deleted “the distinction between endemic and non-endemic countries. »

“We present countries together when possible, to reflect the unified response that is needed,” WHO said in its June 17 newsletter.

In other words, the WHO wishes to provide a “unified” response to answer the questions that arise about this virus, in the different countries of the world.

In Europe, monkeypox, as the virus is called, is circulating actively, with 1,773 confirmed cases, i.e. 84% of the world total. On the American continent, 245 cases have been recorded, and in Africa, 64.

Cases since 2017?

But according to the WHO, it is very likely that the number of cases is actually higher, and considers that the virus must have already been circulating before the current outbreak without its transmission being detected. This “could go back to 2017 ”, noted the WHO in its information bulletin.

Monkeypox is a disease considered rare, but not very dangerous. It is caused by a virus transmitted to humans by infected animals. Currently, however, the virus is transmitted mainly between humans, and more among men who have sex with men.

Vaccination recommendations

This Monday, June 20, the High Authority for Health (HAS) recommended vaccination for certain cases, in a communiqué. It recommends “to administer a single dose of vaccine to people who are contacts at risk and vaccinated against smallpox before 1980, except for immunocompromised people. »

She also offers a strategy for children : « […] the vaccination of children exposed to the virus and likely to develop a severe form of the disease can be considered on a case-by-case basis, by specialists alone and after a strict assessment of the benefits and risks”, reads a press release from the HAS. .

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