United States prepare vaccines against monkeypox

In addition to contact persons, these are also health care workers and “those who are at high risk of serious illness,” said Jennifer McQuiston from the CDC health authority.

According to CDC epidemiologist John Brooks, people who have a weakened immune system or who have certain skin conditions, such as eczema, are at greater risk. According to current knowledge, it is evident that men who have sex with men are the most likely to be infected. However, the CDC emphasized that the risk of infection does not just extend to gay men.

The United States currently has around a thousand doses of smallpox and monkeypox vaccines, according to the CDC. However, McQuiston announced “very fast” further deliveries.

Dozens of infections in Europe

So far there has been one confirmed infection and several suspected cases in the USA. Dozens of infections are already known in Europe, and there is also a confirmed case in Switzerland. In addition to the USA, Great Britain, for example, is also stocking up on vaccine supplies.

There is no specific treatment for monkeypox. However, the normal smallpox vaccination is 85 percent preventive. The extent to which smallpox vaccination should be recommended for contact persons and risk groups is currently being clarified internationally at specialist level.

Symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, and a rash that often starts on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body. Most people recover within a few weeks. According to the current state of research, close physical contact is required for transmission. According to health authorities, the risk to the general public from monkeypox is extremely low.

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