Spain on High Alert as WHO Declares Monkeypox Emergency: Enhanced Measures and Vaccination Urged
The recent declaration of the ongoing monkeypox outbreak, now referred to as mpox, as a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization (WHO) has prompted increased vigilance from Spanish authorities. Spain currently holds the highest number of confirmed mpox cases in Europe, with a total of 8,104 cases, and out of which 264 were reported this year, representing one-third of all new infections on the continent in 2024.
In response to this alarming situation, Fátima Matute, the Health Minister of the Community of Madrid, has called for heightened controls at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport. This measure aims to prevent the entry of new variants of mpox potentially brought in by infected individuals from Africa or those who have had close contact with infected cases from the continent. Matute reassured the public that the public health system in Madrid is prepared and is enhancing surveillance efforts to detect new cases at an early stage should there be a change in the epidemiological profile of the disease. Prompt action is crucial to effectively manage the situation.
The first outbreak of mpox was reported in Madrid in 2022. Since then, authorities have been conducting vaccination campaigns for eligible citizens. The vaccine used has been empirically demonstrated to be effective in curbing mpox outbreaks and is primarily recommended for individuals who engage in high-risk intimate relationships, those with multiple partners, and close contacts of infected individuals.
Supporting these measures, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the President of the Community of Madrid, indicated that the Health Department is closely monitoring the virus's progression. While she stated that there is currently no cause for alarm, she emphasized the need to remain vigilant. Many protocols for monitoring the virus have been instituted, and resources allocated for vaccination efforts are being multiplied. Ayuso reiterated that the primary goal of increasing security measures is to prevent new infections from regions where the virus is endemic, specifically in African countries and transit points such as Barajas Airport. She reminisced about the previous challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and underscored the importance of proactive measures to avert future outbreaks.
In light of the ongoing situation, the General Council of Nursing (CGE) has called for at-risk groups to receive vaccinations against mpox. The CGE recommends that individuals who have received only one dose of the vaccine return to vaccination centers in their communities to complete their immunization regimen. They highlighted that data from the Ministry of Health indicates that only half of the more than 40,000 people vaccinated against mpox have finished their vaccination process.
Florentino Pérez Raya, the president of the General Council of Nursing, expressed the urgency of learning from past health crises to act swiftly in the current scenario. He advocated for the necessity of utilizing the available vaccine while stressing that nurses are prepared to assist and educate patients about the disease. Moreover, he called for action to immunize the over 20,000 individuals who have not completed their vaccine regimen, and urged those who have not received any dose to prioritize vaccination.
As Spain grapples with the mpox outbreak, authorities are facing the dual challenge of ensuring public safety while facilitating timely access to vaccinations. The collaborative efforts of health officials and organizations highlight the pressing need for community engagement and awareness in combating the disease effectively.
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