In an interview with La Tribune Dimanche, published on August 18, the resigning Minister Delegate for Health explained that France will not be spared by the Mpox virus.
Monkeypox in France is coming soon. This is at least what Frédéric Valletoux claimed in an interview with La Tribune Dimanche, published on Sunday, August 18. “France is not isolated. So we expect, like all European countries, to see declared cases,” he explained. Currently, more than 18,737 cases of Mpox virus infection have been recorded in Africa, according to BFMTV.
This is particularly due to the “comings and goings with the affected areas in Africa.” For Frédéric Valletoux, “there is a high chance that sporadic cases will appear” soon. However, he does not want to sound alarmist and explains that precautions have been taken with healthcare professionals and controls are in place for air travel.
Not the same management as Covid
In the columns of La Tribune Dimanche, Frédéric Valletoux indicates that vaccination will continue, specifically for those most exposed to the Mpox virus. “The system we have deployed has allowed for the vaccination of about 150,000 people over the last three years,” he detailed.
While he claims he does not have enough information about the new variant, the minister assures that “robust stocks” of vaccines “allow for an adapted response.” Finally, regarding the parallels with Covid-19, Frédéric Valletoux wanted to “reassure the population,” clarifying that these are two different diseases, with distinct modes of transmission and infection, and that the response to them would not be the same.
published on August 18 at 07:15, Théo Rampazzo, 6Medias
France Prepares for Potential Mpox Cases: Insights from Health Officials
Recent statements made by Frédéric Valletoux, the recently resigned Minister Delegate for Health, indicate that France is bracing for the arrival of Mpox, previously known as monkeypox.
During an interview with La Tribune Dimanche on August 18, Valletoux shared concerns that France would not be isolated from the spread of Mpox, which has already seen over 18,737 cases reported in Africa this year. He noted that travel connections with affected regions would likely contribute to the emergence of cases within French borders.
Valletoux emphasized the importance of preparedness but reassured the public that measures are in place. These include ongoing vaccinations for high-risk groups, which have successfully reached about 150,000 individuals over the past three years. The Minister indicated confidence in the existing stockpiles of vaccines, which he believes will allow for an effective response if sporadic cases arise.
While concerns about transmissibility have been raised, Valletoux made it clear that the response to Mpox will differ significantly from that of the COVID-19 pandemic. He pointed out the distinct modes of transmission and contamination between the two diseases, aiming to alleviate public anxiety regarding the government’s approach to managing Mpox.
As France aligns its public health strategies, the potential for future Mpox cases highlights the need for continuous monitoring and adaptive vaccination strategies to protect vulnerable populations, ensuring a robust response to emerging public health challenges.