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Monkeypox, typically a mild viral infection, is endemic in the
African countries but its spread to non-endemic countries such
as in Europe and the United States has raised concerns. So far,
there are more than 200 confirmed or suspected countries in
around 20 cases where the virus was not previously circulating.
"We think if we put the right measures in place now we can
contain it easily," Sylvie Briand, WHO director for Global
Infectious Hazard Preparedness said at a technical briefing to
member states at the UN health agency's annual assembly.
She stressed that there was a window of opportunity to prevent
further spread, urging the general public not to be worry since
transmission is much slower than other viruses such as the
coronavirus.
WHO officials said that there was no need for mass vaccination
at present, but targeted vaccination where available for close
contacts of people infected.
"Case investigation, contact tracing, isolation at home will be
your best bets," said Rosamund Lewis, WHO head of the smallpox
secretariat which is part of the WHO Emergencies Programme.
(Reporting by Mrinalika Roy and Emma Farge)
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