Following the outbreak in Africa of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, an infectious disease caused by a virus of the same name, the World Health Organization (WHO) has again declared this disease an international health emergency following the outbreak in 2022.
This new outbreak has emerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and is caused by a “new lineage” or “strain” that is more serious and lethal. Up to 15 countries have confirmed outbreaks. It is spread through close contact with infected people, and to a lesser extent, by contaminated objects.
Since the first outbreak of monkeypox began in May 2022, a total of 8,104 cases have been detected in Spain, according to official data – until August 5, 2024 – from the Carlos III Health InstituteIt should be noted that no cases of this new strain have been reported within the national territory so far. Of the 8,104, 264 have been reported in 2024, more than during the whole of last year (2023), when 203 were recorded.
The vast majority of those infected in Spain by mpox or monkeypox are men with an average age of 37 years and most are unvaccinated. That is why since the Ministry of Health They recall the importance of vaccination against this virus, as well as the need to complete the full vaccination schedule (2 doses) in those people who only have one dose. “Spain will participate in the EU Health Security Committee”, in view of the international health emergency of MPOX declared by the WHO.
Vaccination has proven to be an effective measure to control monkeypox outbreaks and protect against severe symptoms of the disease. In Spain, according to this ministry, “An improved vaccine is available in Spain against smallpox, authorised to prevent both smallpox and monkeypox, which is marketed in Europe under the brand name IMVANEX and in the United States as JYNNEOS. “They can be used interchangeably,” says the Ministry of Health. It is also important to know that there are antiviral treatments to treat the disease once the virus has been contracted.
Monkeypox vaccination (mpox)
The monkeypox vaccine was launched in Spain on June 13, 2022, and as reported by the Ministry of Health, it is not recommended for the entire population, but only for people or groups at risk. Both for prevention (two doses with an interval of 28 days between doses) and once the virus has been contracted (one dose).
According to the Ministry of Health, the vaccine can be used to protect against the monkeypox virus in two situations: before being exposed to the virus (pre-exposure prophylaxis) or after having had contact with it, that is, what is called post-exposure prophylaxis.
Thus, and as indicated in detail by the ‘MPOX vaccination recommendations‘, published in 2023, Recommendations that remain validAt this time, at the pre-exposure prophylaxis level, “people who engage in risky sexual practices, primarily but not exclusively GBHSH (Gays, Bisexuals and Men who have sex with Men)” should be vaccinated.
And also, the report adds, “people at occupational risk, such as healthcare personnel in specialized consultations for STI/HIV care who care for people with high-risk practices and laboratory personnel who handle samples potentially contaminated with Monkeypox virus or personnel in charge of disinfecting surfaces in specific premises where risky sexual relations are maintained, provided that other means of protection such as the use of appropriate individual protection elements cannot be guaranteed.”
On the other hand, at the level of post-exposure prophylaxis, the document reports, it is recommended “for all close contacts who have not had the disease.” “It should be done within the first 4 days after the first contact.” The people with the highest risk of serious illness or complications are, according to the report, “people with immunosuppression, including HIV infection; pregnant women in any trimester of pregnancy and children.”
Finally, it is important to remember that the vaccine is safe and has proven effective against the severe symptoms of this disease, which is why the Ministry of Health insists on the importance of full vaccination.
Information resources
MPOX vaccination recommendations‘, from the Ministry of Health.
