A senior World Health Organization official stated that countries should quickly take steps to stop the spread of monkeypox, and share information about their vaccine stocks.
Sylvie Briand from WHO’s Global Infectious Hazard Preparedness told the U.N. agency annual assembly that “We believe that if we put into place the right steps now, we probably can contain it easily.”
Monkeypox, a mild viral infection, is common in central and west Africa.
It spreads primarily through close contact. Until the recent outbreak, it was not common in other parts. This is why alarms have been raised about the recent cases in the United States, Europe and other regions.
Briand stated that “for us, we believe that the key priority right now is trying to limit this transmission in countries non-endemic,” during a technical briefing for members.
She added that it was important to identify and isolate cases early and trace contact information.
She said, “We don’t know the exact number of doses in the world. That’s why we encourage countries come to WHO to tell us their stockpiles.” One slide from her presentation describes global supplies as “very limited”.
WHO officials advise against mass vaccination and instead recommend targeted vaccination for people close to infected.
Rosamund Lewis (whole-time WHO head of smallpox sectarariat), said that “Case Investigation, Contact Tracing, Isolation at Home will be your best options.”
