EU: “Monkeypox currently not a health emergency in Europe”

Brussels – Monkeypox “is not currently to be considered a public health emergency” in Europe, as at present, “the overall risk remains low.” The European Commission reassures: Stefan de Keersmaecker, spokesman for Green Deal and health issues, wants to avoid waves of panic. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the wave of monkeypox an international emergency, for the European Union, there is no crisis.

The situation is problematic in Africa, and the EU feels safe for the time being. “The COVID crisis taught us that we must be ready, and as early as 2022, the European Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (Hera) has closed deals for two million doses of vaccines” for monkeypox, adds the EU executive spokesman. Thus, the EU is not entirely unprepared; on the contrary, it has ready means at its disposal.
However,
it remains vigilant.

The Health Security Committee (HSC), the body that brings together representatives of European institutions and EU member states for coordination and crisis management, is active and ready to meet even in unscheduled meetings, while the EU executive is in close contact with the Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). No restrictions on travel and movement are being considered, de Keersmaecker notes. The EU tries to reassure. At least in the 12-star area, the situation appears to be under control so far. At least, this is what the epidemiological trend, the spread of infections, indicates. “We follow the scientific approach,” clarifies the EU spokesman.