Recently, the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned that Europe is likely to experience more imported cases of the new, more dangerous strain of mpox.
WHO has asked vaccine manufacturers to increase production due to the outbreak, which started in Africa and has now spread to other parts of the world.
The situation is not new; there was also a major mpox outbreak in 2022, which led to around 200 deaths. However, the recent discovery of a more dangerous strain, along with rising cases and the virus spreading further, has led the WHO to declare a “public health emergency of international concern.”
What is mpox?
Mpox, or Affenpocken in German, is an infectious viral disease. It is caused by a virus initially spread to humans by animals, but it can also be transmitted between people through direct contact.
Common symptoms include muscular aches and pains, large lesions and boils, and fever.
Mpox was initially discovered in monkeys in a Danish laboratory in 1958. The first human case was identified in a child in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1970.
READ MORE: Europe warned to prepare for mpox as Pakistan reports first case
Who should get vaccinated in Austria?
The National Vaccination Committee (NIG) in Austria currently only recommends vaccination for specific risk groups, such as the following:
- Individuals with high-risk behaviour (e.g., those with frequent changing sexual contacts, particularly men with same-sex partners)
- Staff in specialised laboratories (e.g., those handling samples from individuals infected with mpox or those working with the virus itself)
- Healthcare workers with very high exposure risk (e.g., those working in designated departments, outpatient clinics, or organisations for diagnosing and treating mpox infections).
Additionally, vaccination can also be considered for travellers who have extensive and prolonged contact with local populations, such as employees of aid organisations in affected countries.
Where can you get the vaccine?
The vaccine is still not available on the open market in Austria and is only offered free of charge at selected vaccination centres in the federal states.
You can check the offers in your state HERE.
How many doses are needed?
The recommended vaccination schedule is currently two doses with an interval of at least 28 days.
However, if someone is already infected with the virus, a single dose is recommended, and it should be administered within four days of the first close contact.
If a person already has symptoms, the vaccine is not recommended.
READ ALSO: WHO warns more mpox expected in Europe over the coming days or weeks
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