WHO sees ‘encouraging’ signs of monkeypox retreat in Europe

The decrease in the number of cases reported in several European countries indicates that the outbreak monkeypox may retreat on the continent, the regional office of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday.WHO), which called for intensified efforts to eliminate transmission.

“There are encouraging early signs, as shown in France, Germany, Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom and other countries, that the outbreak may be slowing down,” the director of WHO/Europe told a press conference. Hans Kluge.

Kluge was convinced that human-to-human transmission of the virus could be eliminated “if we get on with it and put the necessary resources into it.”

Given that the outbreak originated among men who have sex with men and continues to be focused on this group, prevention and response efforts should focus on them, “with the active cooperation and participation of the community, creating an environment free of stigma and discrimination ‘, Kluge said.

European region. WHO So far, 22,000 cases have been reported in 43 of its member countries, including Russia and several former Soviet republics, more than a third of the world.

“We are starting to see a decrease in the incidence, but we need to be careful, seize the moment and act quickly,” said the head of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the regional department. Katherine Smallwood.

Smallwood pointed to early case detection and behavioral changes as likely reasons for the decline in incidence.

About COVID-19

Experts WHO They also confirmed that an increase in coronavirus cases is expected in the coming autumn and winter, and while serious consequences are ruled out due to the high percentage of the vaccinated population, they stressed that the virus continues to circulate “widely” and that it has caused 3,000 deaths in the last week. European region, which is one third of the total in the world.

Therefore, measures such as offering a second booster dose to vulnerable groups, rapidly administering antivirals when necessary, and others such as ventilating enclosed spaces and using masks indoors when there are many people are important.

Forecasts WHO note that in a few weeks the European region will reach 250 million cases of coronavirus.

WHO He also warned that as the 20th anniversary of the European Region’s declaration of polio freedom approaches, the timing of progress towards global polio eradication is “very fragile”.

Thus, Kluge mentioned that a virus recently discovered in New York it is genetically related to those found in previous years in Israel and the UK.

“Despite high immunization coverage, the polio virus has made its way to some people in communities with poor coverage. This is a wake-up call for everyone, our shared responsibility is to eradicate it worldwide,” said Kluge, who called for vaccines to be promoted. . (EFE)