This week the WHO-convened IHR committee decided against declaring a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) over the multi-country outbreaks of monkeypox, however it has called for intensive surveillance ahead of the next review in a few weeks. On a global level, cases remain highest in the UK (1,076 as of June 26), while Germany is ranked second and Spain third with 756 and 736 cases respectively, according to the global.health database. Meanwhile in Africa, there have been 1,715 confirmed/suspected cases and 73 deaths this year from 10 countries. The latest WHO update lists a number of atypical presentations of monkeypox infections that have been observed and more outbreak news is provided in the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security update. 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.