The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended targeted vaccination against monkeypox for those exposed to someone infected and those at high risk of exposure, including health workers, laboratory workers and people with multiple sexual partners. UN News reports.
The WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Gebreyesus told that over 18,000 cases in 78 countries have been registered to date.
He added that the organization still lacks data on the effectiveness of vaccines for monkeypox, or how many doses might be needed. That’s why it urges all countries that are using vaccines to collect and share critical data on their effectiveness.
WHO is developing a research framework that countries can use to generate the data needed to better understand how effective these vaccines are in preventing both infection and disease, and how to use them most effectively.
One smallpox vaccine, called MVA-BN, has been approved in Canada, the European Union and the United States for use against monkeypox, while two other vaccines, LC16 and ACAM2000, are currently being considered.
Tedros Adhanom Gebreyesus emphasized that vaccination does not give instant protection against infection or disease, and can take several weeks. «That means those vaccinated should continue to take measures to protect themselves, by avoiding close contact, including sex, with others who have or are at risk of having Monkeypox,» he highlighted.
Although 98 percent of cases so far are among men who have sex with men, anyone exposed can get monkeypox, and children, pregnant women and immunosuppressed are especially at risk of severe disease.
In addition to transmission through sexual contact, monkeypox can be spread in households through close contact between people, such as hugging and kissing, and on contaminated towels or bedding.
Andy Seale, WHO adviser, clarified that so far, the disease cannot be classified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI) as scientists have not confirmed that fluid exchange plays a role in transmission. «It gets transmitted by close skin contact, somewhat like herpes, so we cannot say that wearing a condom can prevent it», he explained.
