Hungary and EU to receive monkeypox vaccine

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In Hungary, 7 new cases of monkeypox have recently arisen. The National Centre for Public Health’s (NNK) laboratory for dangerous pathogens is continuing research. Meanwhile, the number of confirmed monkeypox cases in Hungary rose to 19, NNK says. Seeing as the situation is taking a turn for the worst, the EU is preparing vaccines for all Member States. Continue reading below to find out more.

The epidemic that began this spring is beginning to look ever so worrying. The number of monkeypox cases in the world has almost tripled in a month, reports Portfólio. Authorities and governments are taking the threat of the virus more seriously. Many private laboratories in the US are now evaluating PCR tests. Multiple countries are starting to buy and even distribute vaccines. At present, monkeypox appears to be more prevalent among people with multiple sexual partners, including men.

Monkeypox in Hungary

The total number of monkeypox cases in Hungary is 19, including 7 new cases. The 7 Hungarian men infected with monkeypox are aged 29-41 years. Most of these patients are living in Budapest. Patients with mild symptoms stay at home in isolation. Origo elaborates that the new cases did not require hospilatisation.

Investigations regarding the virus show the following results. The incubation period of the virus is usually between 6 to 13 days, although it can be as long as 21 days in some cases.

The disease starts with general, non-specific symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, back pain, headache, fatigue, and swelling of the lymph nodes. Following the initial symptoms, skin rashes start to develop. Rashes can occur anywhere on the face, palms, and soles. They may also appear inside the mouth and around the groin area.

Read Also: Number of monkeypox cases in Hungary revealed

EU is trying to control the situation

The number of monkeypox cases worldwide is above 6,000. This is an alarming increase considering that the number of cases on 1 June was only 702.

According to statistics from Our Word in Data, the highest number of cases, 1,077, are in the UK. In Hungary, there are 19 cases so far, according to the National Centre for Public Health. It is important to note that no case of monkeypox in the EU has resulted in death.

To combat the situation, the EU, alongside the US, is developing two types of vaccines. ACAM200 and JYNNEOS are the names of said vaccines. Tests show that the second vaccine containing live, attenuated virus was more effective and had fewer side effects.

The European Commission’s Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority for Public Health announced on 28 June that the first round of vaccine doses purchased by the EU in response to the monkeypox epidemic will soon be delivered. Of the 109,090 doses now being purchased, 5,300 doses will first arrive in Spain.