Italy And Korea Ramp Up Mpox Alert And Surveillance Efforts

The health ministry announced on Friday that Italy has heightened diagnostic surveillance for mpox, ensuring the situation remains under control. "The epidemiological situation in Italy at the moment is under control as no cases have been ascertained of the new strain (clade I) of mpox," stated the ministry, as reported by Italian news agency ANSA.

Mara Campitiello, head of the ministry's department for prevention, mentioned, "Our offices are in constant contact with international organizations to elaborate shared measures." This collaboration aims to maintain a unified approach to managing potential outbreaks.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) elevated its risk alert level for mpox on Friday. It urged countries to keep high awareness levels among travellers from affected regions. This step is crucial to prevent the spread of the virus across borders.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a global public health emergency on Wednesday for the second time in two years. This declaration followed an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo that spread to neighbouring African countries.

In Asia, South Korea has decided to enhance quarantine and surveillance measures. According to Korea news agency YONHAP, this decision came after a meeting with medical and academic experts on Friday. They discussed strategies to prevent mpox from entering the country.

South Korea's Preventive Measures

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) stated that despite the manageable domestic situation, they will boost quarantine and surveillance efforts. The crisis alert lifted last May will not be reissued.

As of August 9, South Korea reported 10 mpox cases this year, down from 151 in 2023. The KDCA noted that all cases involved men aged 20 to 40, with nine being domestic and one linked to overseas travel.

The KDCA assured that it has sufficient supplies to handle any new cases. They have 20,000 doses of the Jynneos mpox vaccine and treatments available for 504 people.

"Please avoid close contact with strangers, get tested immediately if you suspect exposure or symptoms and participate in vaccination efforts," advised Jee Young-mee, commissioner of the KDCA.

With inputs from WAM