Vaccinations Can Curtail Monkeypox Outbreaks

A non-peer-reviewed computerized modeling study recently published by researchers at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) suggests the monkeypox virus (MPXV) outbreak will continue expanding if it isn't curtailed soon.

Published online on June 13, 2022, LSHTM's U.K.-based case data indicates a possible MPXV reproduction growth rate exceeding (1).

'All scenarios projected that, without interventions or changes to behavior, a major outbreak is highly likely given the current outbreak size.'

However, 'the R0 may sharply decrease if control efforts are effective.'

As of June 21, 2022, the London area leads all other cities with over 550 MPXV patients.

Globally, about 2,780 patients have been reported in over fifty-six countries.

The World Health Organization and most other health agencies have begun offering preventive vaccines to MPXV patients' close contacts.

For example, Toronto Public Health continues to host monkeypox vaccination clinics for at-risk populations.

The two-dose MVA-BN (JYNNEOS®, USA, MVANEX®, Europe; IMVAMUNE®, Canada) was approved by the U.S. FDA in 2019.

On June 17, 2022, Dr. William Welfare, Incident Director at the U.K. Health Security Agency stated in a press release, 'As case numbers of monkeypox continue to rise and with many summer events and festivals ahead, we're reminding people to be aware of the symptoms to help prevent further spread and protect others.'

'If you have a rash with blisters, or any other monkeypox symptoms, don't go to events, meet with friends or have sexual contact.'

'Instead, stay at home .... and avoid close contact with others until a clinician has seen you.'

Additional monkeypox outbreak news is posted at Vax-Before-Travel.

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