The increase in smallpox cases and the spread of a new, more dangerous type of the virus have put health authorities on alert.
The Ministry of Health stated, in a memo, that it is closely monitoring the situation in the world, in addition to monitoring information received from the World Health Organization and institutions such as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Today, Tuesday (13), the ministry called for a meeting with experts to update the recommendations and emergency plan for the disease in the country; although I believe that the risks at this moment are low for Brazil.
This year, 709 cases of smallpox have been reported in the country; and 16 deaths, the latest in April.
Regarding vaccines against the disease, according to the Ministry, they were carried out in 2023 at a time of public health emergency of international importance, with the doses released by Anvisa being used temporarily. If necessary, new measures may be adopted.
The World Health Organization has set up an emergency committee that is scheduled to meet later this week to assess the outbreak scenario in Africa and the risk of international spread of the virus.
The World Health Organization has published an official document asking manufacturers of smallpox vaccines to submit requests for analysis for emergency use of doses.
Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease. Transmission to humans can occur through contact with wild animals or people infected with the virus and contaminated materials. Symptoms generally include rash or lesions, fever, body aches, headache, chills, and weakness.
Most treated patients recover within a month, but the disease can be fatal if left untreated.
*With information from the Brazilian Agency
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