Switzerland does not supply Mpox vaccine to Africa
Published: Saturday, Aug 17th 2024, 10:00
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Switzerland is not currently planning to supply any vaccines to countries severely affected by Mpox. However, developments are being closely monitored, the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) told the Keystone-SDA news agency in response to an inquiry.
Switzerland has purchased 40,000 vaccine doses, which have been distributed in the cantons. According to the FOPH, around 13,000 doses have been administered so far.
On Friday, the World Health Organization (WHO) called on countries that have vaccine stocks to hand them over to countries affected by the outbreak. Manufacturers would also have to ramp up production.
Highest alert level
On Wednesday, the WHO declared the highest alert level due to the spread of the new Mpox variant 1b in several African countries.
The risk of infection in Switzerland is very low, the FOPH said on request. The majority of people at risk in Switzerland have been vaccinated.
Known for decades as monkeypox, the disease can be transmitted from animals, but also from person to person in close contact, for example during sex. Symptoms include smallpox-like pustules on the skin, fever and aching limbs.
©Keystone/SDA
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