Belgium prepares for Mpox response amid global health emergency

Sarhan Basem
Credit: Belga

Brussels (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): WHO declared a worldwide health emergency regarding mpox epidemic that points out the introduction of the much more fatal clade I variant moving into Europe and Asia. Belgium is set to conduct specific immunization campaign thereby ensuring the society remains safe from possible disease outbreak.

 The World Health Organization warned that an outbreak of monkey-pox in central Africa and Congo Basin states could pose a world health menace. A new strain of the virus  known as clade Ib variant is proving lethal. It is spreading abroad with cases in Europe and Asia  all contracted by people who picked it up in Africa. Countries where an outbreak is occurring have been instructed to start vaccination. People traveling to certain parts of Africa might get sick if they touch someone from those areas. But in Belgium for most people the chance of falling sick is very low and they don’t need to change the way they immunize against infection.

How is Belgium’s public health ministry preparing for Mpox vaccination?

Belgium’s Ministry of Public Health has said that as the disease is only affecting the minority of people and most are in a low-organized of countries it still In the event  mass inoculation will not be carried out. They do not think this after issue disease is likely to cause major problems now but they want to be ready for whatever arises. Belgium will be ready to vaccinate against the new type of the disease if it shows up there. They have 20,000 smallpox vaccines that are effective against related viruses. In 2022  these vaccines were used to protect the high-very high group-risk of getting disease which now also includes people returning from dangerous areas.

The vaccine is expected to do well against the new variant and people may have to take two doses within 28 days for best protection. If the skin reveals so signs of disease at the time can a single dose be regarded as adequate . The vaccines are all maintained with the Government but they will be issued out in various regions.

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Brussels Morning is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. BM publishes unique and independent coverage on international and European affairs. With a Europe-wide perspective, BM covers policies and politics of the EU, significant Member State developments, and looks at the international agenda with a European perspective.
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Sarhan Basem is Brussels Morning's Senior Correspondent to the European Parliament. With a Bachelor's degree in English Literature, Sarhan brings a unique blend of linguistic finesse and analytical prowess to his reporting. Specializing in foreign affairs, human rights, civil liberties, and security issues, he delves deep into the intricacies of global politics to provide insightful commentary and in-depth coverage. Beyond the world of journalism, Sarhan is an avid traveler, exploring new cultures and cuisines, and enjoys unwinding with a good book or indulging in outdoor adventures whenever possible.
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