The WHO last week proposed a unified response to the monkeypox outbreak, ‘removing the distinction between endemic and non-endemic countries’ and, going forward, issuing reports together from all five global regions. Europe has recorded most cases to date – 84 percent of the total. (Global.health database has the number of confirmed and suspected cases at 3,246 from 55 countries and territories). Preliminary sequencing of samples from newly affected countries have detected the West African clade of the virus. The WHO has assessed the risk of infection spread in the EU as high and moderate elsewhere. In the UK, the public health agency is working towards interrupting transmission beyond managing contacts and occupations with exposure to the virus, and is now offering doses of the MVA-BN vaccine to higher risk groups such as those with multiple sex partners. Read more
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.