WHO mulls 'targeted vaccination' vs. mpox instead of mass jab

GENEVA – The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended "targeted vaccination" instead of mass jab to fight mpox in areas where the virus has been detected.

"It's not recommended for mass vaccination; that's very important. It really needs to be targeted vaccination where the virus is transmitting," WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris said, adding that the virus is easier to deal with than Covid-19.

Noting that the rapid spread of the virus has captured global attention, she said the mpox virus has two genetic types: Clade 1 and Clade 2.

Harris expressed concern over the new strain of the virus, Clade 1b, which emerged last year, saying: "It's this one that we're worried about because it transmits very rapidly. It's also got quite a high death rate, especially among children."

Stressing that one of the main concerns is the virus' rapid spread, she said the virus caused more cases in 2024 than in 2023.

She added that while the number of mpox cases increased in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, it has spread to many countries as well.

"We are seeing a higher fatality rate. It's around 3 percent and in really vulnerable groups, like small children. It's higher than that. We're particularly concerned about the effects on small children. Now it's important to understand that the populations that it's been spreading through rapidly are people who have been displaced by conflict. They're in a very precarious situation," she said.

Pointing out that people with smallpox and HIV infections are more likely to experience a more severe form of the mpox virus, Harris said they are at a higher risk of death.

She underscored the importance of patients receiving medical treatment and being able to isolate themselves during this process.

Noting that the vaccines developed for smallpox are effective against mpox, Harris said: "They are recommended for people who are known to have been exposed. It's recommended they get it within four days of exposure to somebody known to have mpox."

"The other group that should get vaccination (is) health workers in areas where there's an ongoing pandemic, to protect them. There are some other groups that (are) at greater risk," she added.

Northern Europe, the US, and Japan have good resources for vaccine stocks, she said, adding that they are currently working closely with countries that have stocks and manufacturers to increase production and ensure that these stocks reach the areas where they are needed.

She said mpox is an active virus that can be easily stopped, as long as those suffering are identified, good contact with them is maintained, and isolation measures are implemented.

She asserted that there is no need for a lockdown due to the outbreak, but good surveillance to determine who is sick and good laboratory diagnostics are needed. (PNA)