Malta joins other EU countries to help combat the spread of MPOX
Malta has joined a number of other European countries in response to the European Commission's 'Team Europe' initiative, aimed at helping Africa reduce the further spread of the MPOX disease, the Ministry for Health said in a statement on Thursday.It
Malta has joined a number of other European countries in response to the European Commission's 'Team Europe' initiative, aimed at helping Africa reduce the further spread of the MPOX disease, the Ministry for Health said in a statement on Thursday.
It said that on August 14th, the Director-General of the World Health Organisation declared the outbreak of MPOX (Clade I) as a public health emergency of international concern. The Ministry continued that this decision followed the declaration of MPOX as a public health emergency of continental security in Africa by the Africa CDC.
The first case of MPOX in Malta was registered on August 30th, with the second case being registered this Tuesday, September 3rd. The Health Ministry had confirmed that the first case was identified as a less severe strain of the virus known as Clade II. MPOX has two distinct strains, those being Clade I and Clade II. The first strain is known for causing more severe illness and having a higher mortality rate, whilst the second strain is less severe and has a lower mortality rate.
In response to the request for support from international partners, the Health Ministry said that Malta has joined the EU's 'Team Europe' initiative, which is being led by the Director-General of the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (DG HERA). This initiative focused on the donation of vaccines and the mobilisation of resources in order to help manage this public health emergency, it added.
The Ministry said that the DG of HERA, Laurent Muschel, recently arrived in the city of Kinshasa in the Congo, where he will be overseeing the first delivery of MPOX vaccine doses.
It concluded that between all the countries which have joined in on the initiative, around half a million vaccines will be given in total.
Public Health Advisory:
In a statement that had accompanied the announcements of the two cases in Malta, the health authorities urged the public to take the following precautions to reduce the risk of MPOX transmission:
1. Safe Sex: Practice safe sex and have open conversations with partners about sexual health.
2. Avoid Close Contact: Refrain from close, skin-to-skin contact with individuals who have a rash resembling Mpox.
3. Hygiene Practices: Maintain good hand hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
4. Safe Practices: Be cautious during social gatherings and intimate contact. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, bedding, and clothing with infected individuals.
5. Seek medical advice if you experience symptoms or have been in contact with someone diagnosed with Mpox.
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