Further advice on how to deal with monkeypox will be coming Nicosia’s way over the next few days, as the World Health Organisation declared the disease a public health emergency, sending many countries scrambling to respond.
Health minister Michalis Hadjipantela was on a call with WHO Europe Regional Director Hans Kluge last night, discussing monkeypox management levels in Europe.
WHO will be sending over additional protocols on dealing with confirmed monkeypox cases and their close contacts, as Cyprus declares its readiness to respond, though it remains one of the countries not recording a confirmed case.
More than 17 thousand cases have been detected in 74 countries. The health ministry notes the fact that most of the people infected have numerous sexual partners.
Transmission occurs through the skin, body liquids, infected objects and protracted close contact.
The reference laboratories for monkeypox are the Nicosia General Hospital and the Institute of Neurology and Genetics, as they have the facilities to carry out the necessary tests.
The Nicosia General and Makarios hospital have also been designated as reference institutions on treating both possible and confirmed cases in adults and children respectively.
Hadjipantela will chair a meeting of relevant services tomorrow morning (Monday) at the Nicosia General, to evaluate the new evidence and assess preparedness.
Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakidou said that the EU was ready to strengthen its monkeypox response, adding that vaccines were in the process of delivery in member-states.
Vaccines are expected in Cyprus early next week.
