EU Decides Against New Border Controls Amid Mpox Concerns

Name: EU Decides Against New Border Controls Amid Mpox Concerns | IaM
Uploaded: 2024-08-20T16:00:00+00:00
Description: According to European Health authorities, additional border controls in the EU are an unnecessary response to

According to European Health authorities, additional border controls in the EU are an unnecessary response to the latest Mpox variant (Monkeypox), citing the virus’s low risk to the wider population.

During a recent meeting, the Health Security Committee (HSC) of the European Commission, in collaboration with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), concluded that the current situation does not warrant the introduction of travel restrictions or a broader inoculation strategy across the EU.

A European Commission spokesperson confirmed that the HSC sees no cause for alarm at this stage, stating that the situation does not warrant a public health emergency declaration in Europe.

The committee, with input from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the African Centre for Disease Control, agreed to maintain existing vaccination recommendations for specific groups rather than extending them to the entire population.

While the virus is known for causing more severe illness, European health authorities believe the risk of widespread infection within the EU remains low.

Despite the WHO’s warning of potential imported cases due to the virus’s spread in Africa, the ECDC’s assessment suggests that the impact on Europe will likely be minimal. However, the agency recommended that EU member states enhance preparedness by maintaining high levels of surveillance, testing, and contact tracing to quickly identify and manage any cases that do arise.

Countries like Spain are taking proactive steps by increasing public information efforts for travellers, particularly those arriving from higher-risk areas. Spanish Health Minister Monica García announced plans to work with airport authorities and airlines to disseminate information to travellers, underscoring the ongoing vigilance despite the lack of new border controls.

The Mpox virus, which is endemic in parts of central and western Africa, is primarily transmitted through close contact with infected individuals or animals and can spread through skin injuries or mucous membranes. The ECDC highlighted the importance of awareness, particularly in contexts involving close physical contact, as part of Europe’s strategy to manage the virus without resorting to more stringent border measures.

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