First monkeypox vaccines to arrive on Monday

The first vaccines for monkeypox are expected to arrive in Cyprus on Monday, the Cyprus News Agency reported on Friday.

Health authorities will receive some 1,400 jabs, which will help the country prepare to tackle possible outbreaks of the virus.

So far, no monkeypox cases have been reported on the island. Infections have been confirmed in Europe, Australia and North America.

A health ministry source told CNA that no mass vaccinations are expected as the virus is not easily transmitted. The vaccine is recommended for health professionals dealing with confirmed monkeypox cases or their contacts.

Nicosia general hospital has been designated as the reference hospital for monkeypox, and Makarios hospital for cases in children.

The health ministry has announced it has prepared a plan for the management of a possible monkeypox outbreak and has issued guidelines to the public.

Among the self-protection measures are to avoid sexual contact with anyone who has a local rash, limit the number of sexual partners and frequent hand washing with soap and water or disinfection with alcohol-based gel.

Monkeypox is caused by monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae and is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with material contaminated with the virus, such as bedding.

According to the world health organisation, it typically presents clinically with fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes and may lead to a range of medical complications.