Rome (Capital of Italy): Italy’s health ministry announced on Friday that diagnostic surveillance for mpox has been intensified, assuring the public that the situation remains under control. The ministry confirmed that no cases of the new mpox strain (clade I) have been detected in Italy.
Mara Campitiello, head of the ministry’s department for prevention, stated that they are in continuous communication with international organizations to develop coordinated measures.
On Friday, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) raised its risk alert level for mpox, advising countries to remain vigilant, particularly regarding travellers from affected regions.
On Wednesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years, following an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo that spread to neighbouring African countries.
In Asia, South Korea has decided to strengthen quarantine and surveillance measures. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced the decision after consulting with medical and academic experts on Friday.
The KDCA reported that South Korea’s current mpox situation remains manageable under existing protocols, but authorities have opted to enhance measures without reinstating the crisis alert lifted last May.
As of 9 August, South Korea has reported 10 mpox cases this year, a significant drop from 151 cases in 2023. All cases this year involved men aged 20 to 40, with nine being domestic and one linked to overseas travel.
The KDCA assured that sufficient supplies, including 20,000 doses of the Jynneos mpox vaccine and treatments for 504 people, are available.
“Please avoid close contact with strangers, seek testing immediately if exposed or symptomatic, and participate in vaccination efforts,” urged KDCA Commissioner Jee Young-mee.
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