Germany Recommends at Least 21 Days of Self-Quarantine
[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] As confirmed cases of monkeypox increase worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) cautioned against overreaction, calling it a "controllable virus."
On the 24th (local time), WHO reported 237 confirmed and suspected cases of monkeypox across 19 countries. Sylvie Briand, WHO Director of Global Infectious Hazard Preparedness, stated, "There is a need to strengthen vigilance to understand the transmission level and routes of monkeypox," but added, "It is currently controllable."
She emphasized that vaccines and treatments for monkeypox already exist and urged, "Let's not overreact."
WHO is preparing new vaccination guidelines related to monkeypox and plans to convene additional meetings to support member countries' prevention efforts.
Health experts believe that considering the virus's characteristics, transmissibility, and transmission patterns, the current situation is unlikely to escalate into a pandemic like COVID-19.
However, countries around the world remain on high alert. In the UK, where monkeypox was first reported outside Africa on the 7th, confirmed cases increased by 15 on the same day, bringing the total to 71. This includes the first confirmed case in Scotland.
Spain, which has the second-highest number of infections after the UK, also reported 11 new confirmed cases on the day, raising the cumulative total to 48.
In response, German health authorities recommended at least 21 days of self-isolation for monkeypox patients or close contacts. They have also ordered 40,000 doses of vaccine in preparation for virus spread.
Health authorities in France and Denmark have also decided to recommend vaccination for adults and healthcare workers who have been in contact with monkeypox patients.
The UK has been providing vaccines to healthcare workers and close contacts since last week, and the US plans to announce its vaccine supply measures on the 30th.
Meanwhile, monkeypox infection causes early symptoms similar to smallpox, such as fever, headache, muscle pain, lymphadenitis, and fatigue. Although there is no specific vaccine, it is known that the smallpox vaccine provides 85% protection.
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