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Date Published: 19/08/2024

Murcia pushes for mpox vaccine as fears of infection grow

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Health experts from across Spain are meeting this week to discuss how to control the spread of mpox

Murcia pushes for mpox vaccine as fears of infection grow

Experts from across the EU are preparing for an important meeting on Monday August 19 where they will decide how to tackle the rapid spread of mpox (previously known as monkeypox), which last week led to the declaration of an international health emergency.

More than 250 cases of a new, more contagious strain have already been reported in nine communities in Spain, including Murcia, and ahead of Monday’s brainstorming session, the regional health minister Juan José Pedreño said that the greatest weapon against the spread of the disease is vaccination, followed by safer sexual practices.

The Murcian Health Minister pointed out that only one case of monkeypox has been recorded in the Region in 2024, out of the 264 recorded nationwide, and that vaccination coverage in the community is currently at 73%, much higher than the 50% national average.

Following Monday’s meeting, a second conference will be held in Spain on Tuesday August 20 between the various ministers for health to discuss the measures to be taken. During this meeting, Mr Pedreño will suggest that Spain and other European countries start sending mpox vaccines to the countries where the origin of the cases of the new variant is being recorded.

Regarding the prevention of the disease, he insists that these measures should include "the use of condoms, since most cases are occurring in people who have risky sexual relations, especially men with men.”

As well as a vaccination drive aimed at at-risk groups, Murcia’s minister also believes it’s vital that healthcare personnel who work with patients with HIV and sexually transmitted infections, as well as laboratory staff who handle contaminated samples, are inoculated.

In other news: Break from the heat: Murcia weather forecast August 19-22

Image: Pixabay

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