The Ministry of Health and Social Protection has ruled on the surveillance of the health system for monkeypox infections. As of October 26, 76,866 cases have been confirmed worldwide, while in the case of Colombia, as of October 24, 3,298 confirmed cases have been reported, of which 83% (2,734) have recovered and 17% (564) are active cases .
Similarly, the National Institute of Health (INS) reported that 97.3% (3,210) were presented in men and 2.7% (88) in women as of 24 October. The accumulated contagion rate in the country is 6.3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants and out of the total active cases, 58 people are hospitalized and to date there have been no deaths.
On the other hand, there is evidence of a downward trend in cases in October in both Colombia and the region, compared to the number of cases per week at the start of the outbreak.
It should be noted that on 20 October the Ministry issued a statement in which it was reported that negotiations are underway for a memorandum of understanding that will allow the arrival of 25,000 doses of vaccines against monkeypox.
This negotiation is part of a research project that several countries will carry out with the World Health Organization. It should be borne in mind that vaccination, although a very important tool, does not in itself prevent contagion, and for this reason the Ministry advances in terms of pedagogy, prevention and surveillance of risk prevention.
Similarly, this ministry has already planned how it will be the definition of priorities for accessing vaccination.
Close contacts (about 3 per person with the infection), the most vulnerable people: HIV, MSM (men who have sex with men) and other people with risky sexual behavior are expected to be given priority.
The classification of the use of this vaccine in population groups will depend on the epidemiological behavior and the availability of biological products in the country.
At this point, it is necessary to recall the recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO), which focuses on the fact that at this time neither Colombia nor other countries require mass vaccination for Monkeypox.
