The World Health Organization (WHO) urged countries on Friday to take immediate measures to control the transmission of the monkeypox virus and disclose information on their vaccine supply status.
Sylvie Briand, WHO director for Global Infectious Hazard Preparedness, said at the UN agency's annual assembly that if nations "put in place the right measures now we probably can contain this easily" since monkeypox is usually a mild infection.
The virus, which is endemic in regions of the west and central Africa, is spread mostly by close contact. It was, however, rare in other parts of the world, which is why the recent rise of cases in Europe, the United States, and other countries has sparked concerns.
There have been approximately 300 confirmed or suspected cases in approximately 20 countries where the virus had not previously circulated, as per Reuters report.
"For us, we think that the key priority currently is trying to contain this transmission in non-endemic countries," Briand recommended during a technical briefing.
According to Briand, member states should also share information on first-generation smallpox vaccine stockpiles that are also effective against monkeypox.
The expert noted that the exact number of doses available in the world is unknown, so she encourages countries "to come to WHO" and share their stockpiles.
No Need for Mass Vaccination
Though, WHO officials are currently advising against mass vaccination, instead recommending targeted vaccination for close contact with affected patients.
According to Richard Peabody, who leads WHO Europe's high-threat pathogen division, immediate supplies of vaccinations and antivirals are currently limited.
Peabody said contact tracking and isolation are the primary controls for the outbreak, and the virus is not very easily transmitted and has not yet caused severe sickness, per a Global News report. He went on to say that the vaccines used to fight monkeypox can have serious side effects.
Given the outbreak's pace and the lack of understanding about its cause, there has been concern that huge gatherings and parties this summer could worsen the situation.
The expert advised people to have a good time but be extra cautious.
"It's rather around what people do at the parties that matter. So it's about safe sexual behavior, good hygiene, regular hand washing - all these sorts of things will help to limit the transmission of this virus," Peabody said.
US Prepares For Possible Rise of Monkeypox Cases
With seven persons in the United States either confirmed or suspected of having monkeypox, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) officials say the threat remains minimal, and there is no sign the virus has mutated to become more highly infectious.
According to an ABC News report, Massachusetts has one verified positive case. New York has one presumed positive case, Washington has one, Utah has two, and Florida recorded two.
The CDC said on Monday that the government is processing the release of some vaccines from its national stockpile. Officials say there is no need to inoculate the general population against monkeypox. Instead, the vaccines will be administered to a select group of persons exposed to the virus.
CDC officials warned that more infections are expected, and the agency is currently disseminating information about the disease among homosexual and bisexual men.
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