In France, preparations are underway for a possible active spread of the new Mpox variant.
Although no infections have been reported in the country yet, the government has decided to open 232 vaccination sites.
The new variant clade Ib has not yet arrived in France, but monkeypox is circulating, with 28 cases documented in the Rhône since the beginning of the year.
Among these 232 French sites, four are located in Lyon and the Rhône.
They are Edouard-Herriot hospital, Croix-Rousse hospital, the Le Griffon health and sexuality center (Lyon 1st), and the Villefranche-sur-Saône hospital in Gleizé.
#Mpox | Following the report from the @WHO regarding Mpox in #USPPI, find an update on the health situation and the measures undertaken by the ARS in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. pic.twitter.com/NI4SayoklH
— ARS Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (@ARS_ARA_SANTE) August 23, 2024
Vaccination is currently preventative and only concerns trans individuals and MSM (men who have sex with men) with multiple partners, people in prostitution, and professionals working in sexual consumption venues.
The government reminds that contamination by the Mpox virus “is not directly linked to the sex or sexual orientation of the individual. Anyone can be infected by this virus, which is primarily transmitted through prolonged contact, often skin-to-skin. However, since June 2022, the majority of cases have been observed in MSM (men who have sex with men) with multiple sexual partners”.
Increased vigilance is required for individuals most exposed to transmission risks and who may travel to Africa.
France Prepares for Active Spread of New Mpox Variant
As France braces for the potential arrival of the new clade Ib variant of Mpox, which has yet to be reported within its borders, health authorities are acting proactively. The government has announced the establishment of 232 vaccination sites across the country, with four located specifically in Lyon and the Rhône region.
These vaccination sites include the Édouard-Herriot Hospital, Croix-Rousse Hospital, Le Griffon Sexual Health Center, and Villefranche-sur-Saône Hospital in Gleizé. Although the current situation has seen no active infections linked to the new variant, there are already 28 confirmed cases of monkeypox documented in the Rhône area this year.
The vaccination campaign is currently focused on high-risk groups, including transgender individuals, men who have sex with men (MSM) with multiple partners, sex workers, and professionals in sexual consumption venues. This preventive measure comes in light of the World Health Organization’s acknowledgment of Mpox and aims to minimize the potential spread among the most vulnerable populations.
However, it is critical for the public to understand that Mpox transmission is not strictly associated with sexual behavior or orientation. The virus primarily spreads through prolonged skin-to-skin contact. Since June 2022, most cases have predominantly been noted among MSM with multiple sexual partners, which underscores the importance of targeted awareness and vaccination strategies.
Additionally, heightened vigilance is advised for individuals at higher risk of exposure, especially those planning to travel to regions in Africa where Mpox remains an ongoing concern. As the vaccination roll-out continues, the health authorities emphasize the importance of community awareness and preventive measures to curtail the potential impact of this new variant.