Imported cases must be quickly diagnosed and control measures should be implemented, the Stockholm-based European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said in a statement.
ECDC predicts that thanks to rapid reactions of member states Based on recorded cases and strong healthcare, the impact of monkeypox on the EU will be minor.
Stockholm. First case of monkeypox in Europe
That's it in the Stockholm area confirmed on Thursday the first, outside the African continent, case of a new strain. According to Swedish authorities, the patient is a person who previously stayed in a region where the disease is present.
A new strain of monkeypox virus, believed to be more contagious and deadly, is now spreading in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other West African countries.
As a result of the rapid spread of this epidemic in Africa, ECDC has increased risk level for EU travellers to the areas affected by the epidemic.
ECDC believes that, given the close links between the EU and Africa, EU countries should issue travel recommendations for people visiting areas affected by the epidemic. According to the EU agency probability of infection for people from the EU travelling to areas affected by the epidemic is high.
Monkeypox. EU agency recommendations
The agency recommended raising awareness among healthcare workers in the EU. Member states should also notify new cases at EU level.
Travelers going to areas affected by the epidemic should consult a doctor regarding eligibility for monkeypox vaccination.
The new infections in Africa are different from the global outbreak in 2022, that variant is still circulates at low levels in Europe and in the world.
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