Headline:
MPOX Virus: Dutch Virologist Ab Osterhaus Warns of Imminent Case in Netherlands
Subhead:
New, more contagious variant of therare disease detected in France; Africa faces vaccine shortage.
Article:
Prominent virologist Ab Osterhaus predicts that the Netherlands is likely to report its first monkey pox (MPOX) virus case soon, given recent infections in other European countries. In an interview, Osterhaus, who played a crucial role in eradicating smallpox, emphasized the importance of taking the virus seriously to prevent larger outbreaks.
Osterhaus’ caution comes as a new, more contagious variant of the rare virus was detected in France. The patient, residing in Brittany, has prompted health authorities to take precautionary measures. This is not an isolated incident; Belgium recorded a case in December, and the UK has reported five infections.
globally, we’re witnessing MPOX spreading, primarily tracing back to contacts with Africa," Osterhaus explained. "The good news is that a vaccine exists; the bad news is the shortage of vaccines in Africa." The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that Africa, with 70,000 cases, is the epicenter of the current outbreak.
Osterhaus stressed that Europe is currently dealing with sporadic cases, unlike the severe situation in Africa, where the new variant is spreading rapidly and causing more severe symptoms. Osterhaus warned, "With one to two percent mortality rate among infected individuals, it’s a serious matter."
The virologist believes Europe should increase vaccine production and consider shipping excess supplies to Africa. Earlier in December, Dutch Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport Fleur Agema, initially hesitant to donate vaccines due to domestic supply concerns, agreed to send 35,000 MPOX vaccines following expert advice that a large outbreak in the Netherlands was unlikely.
While Osterhaus does not anticipate an immediate pandemic, he cautions, "We should learn from the emergence of the human poxvirus, which started as a mild variant and escalated over time. We must take MPOX seriously to prevent a similar trajectory."
