WHO and Monkeypox: A Call for Caution
In a context where the COVID-19 pandemic still resonates in the collective memory, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared, for the second time in two years, an international health emergency due to monkeypox, also known as mpox. This decision has generated concern among the population, who remember the ravages of the recent health crisis.
The Expert’s Perspective: Oriol Mitjà
Renowned epidemiologist Oriol Mitjà offered a reassuring view during a recent interview on Catalunya Ràdio. In his remarks, Mitjà stressed that, unlike COVID-19, which spreads primarily through aerosols, monkeypox is transmitted by physical contact, which implies a fundamental difference in the speed of contagion between the two diseases.
Changes in Outbreak Dynamics
Mitjà also stressed that, although the monkeypox outbreak in 2022 was alarming, the current situation has evolved. Last year, the Clade 2 variant was out of control, but now, the focus of the infection has shifted to several African countries with the Clade 1 variant, which exhibits more aggressive behaviour, especially among children.
Actions of the European Union in the face of the emergency
In response to the emergency declaration, the European Union has called a meeting to analyse the situation and coordinate efforts. This will take place on Monday, followed by a meeting on Tuesday with the regional governments in Spain to discuss the relevant measures.
Data and Surveillance
The Spanish Ministry of Health has reported that since the outbreak began in 2022, a total of 8,104 confirmed cases of mpox have been recorded in the country, making it the most affected in Europe. The regions of Madrid and Catalonia are the most affected, with 2,770 and 2,452 cases, respectively. Despite the emergence of a new variant in Sweden, the Ministry assures that this does not mean that it was not previously present.
The Future of Vaccination
Mitjà urged the population to follow the recommendations of health authorities regarding vaccination, highlighting the importance of a surveillance system to monitor the spread of monkeypox and its variants.
The current situation with monkeypox reminds us of the importance of staying informed and prepared for possible outbreaks, as well as the need for a proactive approach to public health.
