The monkeypox outbreak is almost over, RIVM reports Friday. Vaccination is therefore no longer necessary, according to the institute. Until the end of this month, risk groups will still be invited for an injection.
The monkeypox virus is on the decline. On Thursday, it was announced that only nine people have tested positive for the virus in the past two weeks. At its peak in July, more than 150 cases were diagnosed each week.
“The number of new infections has been very small for a few weeks, which means that the campaign can stop. Nevertheless, the disease can still resurface and there are still infections,” the RIVM warns. The institute therefore calls for vigilance.
“Changed behaviour” and natural immunity have led to a reduction in the number of new infections, RIVM believes. The institute cannot yet say how great the effect of the vaccinations has been.
At least 15,180 first doses administered
Since the end of July, people who run the greatest risk of infection can be vaccinated preventively. At least 15,180 people have received a first dose. These figures are not complete, because an unknown number of people do not want to share the vaccination data with the RIVM. So in reality, more people have been vaccinated.
About 32,000 people have been invited for the preventive monkey pox shot. Transgender people and men who have sex with men are eligible for the shot if they are HIV positive or if they take medication to prevent them from contracting HIV.
Most people heal on their own
The monkey pox virus appeared in the Netherlands at the end of May. People who contract the virus may initially experience fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and fatigue. After a few days, they also develop a rash. The symptoms disappear within a few weeks. The vast majority of people heal on their own.
The virus mainly affects men who regularly have sex with men, but it is not a venereal disease. The virus spreads through skin-to-skin contact. Anyone can contract the virus.