For the first time since the world monkeypox epidemic, no new cases have been detected in our country for a week. “This is great news, but the question will be how it will evolve,” says virologist Steven Van Gucht (Sciensano).
Official Sciensano data released Tuesday shows 785 confirmed monkeypox infections. It’s the same number from last week. For the first time since May, no new cases of monkeypox have been identified in our country.
Great news, says virologist Steven Van Gucht. He explains the reduction in the number of cases through the combination of fewer (international) events, extra immunity through infection and vaccination, but also through greater caution in the community at greatest risk: that of men having sex with men (MSM).
But he also warns the virologist. “It is not certain that she will disappear forever. Soon we may see some more cases, but especially towards spring we must be careful when events increase again. I still hope for immunity and cases can be easily avoided with the necessary awareness. ‘
“But new cases can be reintroduced, from Africa, where there may be continued low circulation from animal sources. Or from the MSM networks, certainly in countries where there is a taboo on MSM. Outbreaks are much more difficult to contain there. We hope that we will get rid of the virus completely, even if we have to take the situation there more seriously. “
Van Gucht also points out that the virus can change. “It’s theoretical, but the more the virus can spread, the greater the chance of mutations, which can be more contagious.”
