(UTV | UNITED STATES) – The World Health Organization said that it does not recommend mass vaccination against monkey pox. This comes as more than 18,000 cases have been reported from 78 countries.
“WHO recommends targeted vaccination for those exposed to someone with monkey pox, and for those at high risk of exposure, including health workers, some lab workers, and those with multiple sexual partners. At this time, we do not recommend mass vaccination against monkey pox,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Wednesday.
This comes days after the world health body declared monkey pox a global health emergency.
On Wednesday, WHO said, “More than 18 thousand cases of monkey pox have now been reported to WHO from 78 countries, with more than 70% of cases reported from the European region, and 25 per cent from the region of the Americas.”
The world health body added that so far, five deaths have been reported, and about 10% of cases are admitted to hospital to manage the pain caused by the disease.
“This is an outbreak that can be stopped, if countries, communities and individuals inform themselves, take the risks seriously, and take the steps needed to stop transmission and protect vulnerable groups,” Dr Tedros said.
Talking about vaccines against monkey pox, the WHO chief said, “One smallpox vaccine, called MVA-BN, has been approved in Canada, the European Union and the US for use against monkey pox. Two other vaccines, LC16 and ACAM2000, are also being considered for use against monkey pox.”
However, Dr Tedros said that there is still lack of data on the effectiveness of vaccines for monkey pox, or how many doses might be needed.
“That’s why we urge all countries that are using vaccines to collect and share critical data on their effectiveness,” Dr Tedros said.
WHO noted that several countries with monkey pox cases have secured supplies of the MVA-BN vaccine, adding that the global health body is in contact with other countries to understand their supply needs.
“We must ensure equitable access to vaccines for all individuals and communities affected by monkey pox, in all countries, in all regions,” Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.
The WHO chief added that while vaccines will be an important tool, surveillance, diagnosis and risk reduction remain central to preventing transmission and stopping this outbreak.