Monkeypox raised the alarm in 2018 when health authorities noted a case of the virus had travelled to the UK from Africa and transmitted to two people. The disease is native to the tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa. Monkeypox was first recognised as a disease in 1970 and is considered endemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Doctors consider it a “self-limiting” virus, but there are cases when monkeypox can cause severe symptoms.
Pharmaceutical company Bavarian Nordic recently developed a monkeypox vaccine in partnership with the US National Institutes of Health and Biomedical Advanced Research and Developmental Authority (BARDA).
The vaccine has been in development for 15 years and has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in adults aged 18 or over.
The live and non-replicating vaccine will now go to the US national stockpile where it will remain until a national emergency.
Those deemed at high risk of smallpox or monkeypox will be able to receive the vaccine, which is designed to prevent the development of both diseases.
Rick Bright, director of BARDA, said the progress means the vaccine better prepares the US for “saving lives” in the event of national emergency.
The UK has also ordered vials of the vaccine following outbreaks in 2018.
While the cases initially raised the alarm, Public Health England confirmed there was little risk of the disease-causing significant chaos in the UK.
Dr Nick Phin, Deputy Director of the National Infection Service at PHE, said “tried and tested” protocols would prevent monkeypox spreading.
He said: “While this was an unusual event in the UK, we have tried and tested protocols and procedures in place to ensure that we can respond rapidly to such incidents.
“Through this response, which was delivered with colleagues from across the NHS, we have been able to follow up with all those people who had close contact with the individuals involved.
“We are pleased that we have seen no further transmission of monkeypox in the UK linked to these cases.
“We would like to thank all staff for their hard work supporting this incident and we will continue to remain vigilant to the threat of infectious disease.”
Monkeypox fatality rates range from one percent to 15 percent, and can cause the following symptoms:
– High temperature
– Headache
– Muscle aches
– Backache
– Swollen glands
– Chills
– Exhaustion
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