Australia’s chief medical officer has declared the unfolding monkeypox outbreak a communicable disease incident of national significance, ramping up the government’s focus on the virus.
So far 44 Australians have been diagnosed with the disease as part of an outbreak that now spans more than 20,000 people across 71 countries. Most Australian cases are returned travellers, but there is some evidence of local spread of the disease.
Australia has access to treatments for the disease via the National Medical Stockpile.
However, it has not yet secured supply of the modern monkeypox vaccine, known as Jynneos or MVA-BN.
“Australia has been actively pursuing supplies of the third-generation vaccine MVA-BN well-before the WHO declaration was made, recognising there is limited supply and significant global demand,” federal Health Minister Mark Butler said in an emailed statement.
“This is being done in collaboration with the states and territories which are the distribution point for vaccinations and post-exposure treatment.”
More to come.
Most Viewed in National
Source: Read Full Article