The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) expects “more sporadic cases” of Mpox (monkeypox) in Europe as well. This was emphasized by former SPÖ politician and current ECDC director Pamela Rendi-Wagner on Friday in the “Ö1-Mittagsjournal.” The risk of a situation similar to that of COVID-19 currently does not exist for Europe, but Africa needs support. In Austria, there are still Mpox vaccine doses available, as revealed by an APA inquiry at the Ministry of Health.
The World Health Organization (WHO) activated its highest alert level on Wednesday due to a new variant of the Mpox virus in Africa and declared a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern” (PHEIC). “We are monitoring the situation in Africa together with the WHO and are also in close contact with the African Centre for Disease Control,” explained Rendi-Wagner in ORF radio.
Quickly identify return travelers with Mpox symptoms
“What is currently not given based on the data is the danger of a major outbreak in Europe like in Africa,” said the epidemiologist and former health minister. People from Europe would then have “a high risk” of infection if they plan to travel to affected areas in Africa and have “close contact with the local population or engage in frequent sexual contacts.” Return travelers with Mpox symptoms must be quickly identified.
“In Africa, the situation looks very different. In the Congo alone, there are 16,000 suspected cases and more than 500 deaths. This is an increase of 160 percent compared to last year, and the actual number is presumably much higher,” reported Rendi-Wagner. The outbreak in Africa is “anything but under control.” It is necessary to significantly increase testing capacities and “to implement broad, rapid vaccination campaigns in Africa.” This requires help and support from Europe and the USA, which has already begun.
In Austria, Mpox suspected, confirmed cases, and fatalities have been reportable since the spike in cases in Europe in 2022, and “the infection situation is being closely monitored,” said Friday from the office of Health Minister Johannes Rauch (Greens). Since the beginning of the global outbreak two years ago, 348 Mpox cases have been reported in Austria. Eleven cases were reported in 2023, and currently ten cases in 2024.
The diagnostic capabilities in Austria allow for the typing of each Mpox infection, and an infection with the new variant Clade-Ib would therefore be detectable, it was emphasized in response to an APA inquiry. An adjustment of the standard procedure guidelines for the authorities regarding Mpox (suspected) cases, which regulates the handling of infected individuals and contact persons, “is not currently deemed necessary.”
Currently, about 34,000 Mpox vaccine doses are still available in Austria. The majority of these are stored at minus 80 degrees and are therefore still viable for many years. So far, approximately 6,900 Mpox vaccinations have been recorded in the E-Impfpass. “The overwhelming majority of these were administered during the last significant outbreak in 2022. Demand has been very low since then,” stated the Ministry of Health.
No change in vaccination recommendations necessary
Austria is in an active contractual relationship with the vaccine manufacturer. In case the demand increases, further orders can be made at any time. Additionally, a smaller amount of the vaccine can also be administered per person. With the stored quantities, up to 170,000 vaccinations could therefore be conducted. “Based on the currently available information, no immediate change in vaccination recommendations is necessary,” it was emphasized.
According to the Ministry of Health, discussions are already taking place at the WHO and EU levels regarding the necessary support through monetary contributions and vaccine donations. According to the WHO, 3.5 million US dollars have already been mobilized, including through the WHO Contingency Fund, to which Austria has also contributed in the past. There are currently no specific requests for vaccine donations at the Ministry of Health, it was said.
Service- www.sozialministerium.at/Themen/Gesundheit/Impfen/Impfung-gegen-Affenpocken.html
Future Trends in Mpox Management and Public Health Responses
The recent statements from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) highlight a pressing need for vigilance regarding Mpox (monkeypox) cases in Europe, particularly following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) due to a new variant in Africa. ECDC Director Pamela Rendi-Wagner emphasized the importance of rapid identification of symptomatic travelers returning from affected regions, suggesting a shift towards more proactive disease monitoring and management protocols across Europe.
With sporadic cases anticipated, it’s crucial for public health authorities to prepare for potential outbreaks while acknowledging the current lowered risk relative to the COVID-19 situation. The emphasis on close contact with populations in affected African regions suggests that targeted community education and preventive health measures could become a priority in Europe, especially for those traveling to high-risk areas.
In Africa, the alarming rise in Mpox cases – with significant numbers reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo – underscores the necessity for enhanced testing capabilities, vaccination campaigns, and international support. As the situation intensifies, future trends likely include more robust collaborations between European nations and African countries to bolster healthcare systems and manage Mpox outbreaks effectively. Increasing investments from both the WHO and financial contributions from various nations may play a significant role in these efforts.
Vaccination is another area poised for evolution. Austria’s current stockpile of over 34,000 Mpox vaccine doses, coupled with the capability for rapid deployment should the need arise, indicates that countries may lean towards maintaining higher reserves of vaccines as a precaution. This preparedness could lead to more flexible vaccination protocols, including adjustable dosages tailored to specific outbreak conditions.
Furthermore, public health guidelines may continue to adapt as new information becomes available, particularly relating to the characterization of emerging Mpox variants. Authorities are monitoring the evolving landscape, indicating a focus on real-time data analysis for informed decision-making regarding vaccination strategies and public health recommendations.
Overall, the interplay between Mpox case management in Europe and the escalating health crisis in Africa is set to shape future public health policy, potentially leading to enhanced surveillance systems and a commitment to global health equity to prevent widespread outbreaks in the future.