Last Wednesday the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the ever-increasing spread of the so-called “monkey pox” in Africa is now a health emergency for the entire planet. The WHO points out that the virus currently has the potential to spread throughout the world if conditions allow. But how big is the new threat and what consequences can it have for our lives?

World Health Organization spokeswoman Margaret Harris explains: “It’s spreading much faster than we’ve seen with other viruses. This is an issue. It has a very high mortality rate. We have seen more than 500 deaths and it is a particularly dangerous virus if it is people with weak immune systems, HIV carriers or malnourished. As you know, in the area where it is spreading very fast, in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, there are many people displaced by conflict.”

No to panic

The first case in Europe appeared in Sweden, but scientists consider its rapid detection positive and mainly emphasize that we should not panic. “It’s about knowledge, knowing what you have, what to look for, knowing how to differentiate, doing the right contact tracing and not being afraid. There should always be a balance, but without panicking. It’s a matter of limiting infection so that those most at risk – the young, the immunocompromised – don’t get infected.”

No to closing borders

Europe is expected to see many imported cases in the coming days. However, the representatives of the WHO and the International Red Cross consider the measure of closing the borders unnecessary. Browning Nicole, responsible for Public Health issues, says characteristically: “From the International Red Cross’ side, we follow the international health regulations, which say that there is no need to close the borders. Diseases don’t recognize borders, people will continue to cross them, illegally or not. The spread of the disease is not prevented.”

Missing tests, vaccines

However, the practical problems so far are enormous, even if an epidemic was more or less expected, as Nicole points out: “Despite our efforts, we face significant challenges. There is a critical shortage of tests, treatments and vaccines across Africa. These deficiencies seriously hamper the ability to contain the epidemic. We require urgent international support to increase access to vaccine stocks and treatment options, and to scale up testing and detection. Without these resources, the epidemic will continue to spread.”

There are few companies producing vaccines for this disease in Europe. One of them, Danish Biotech, saw its stock climb 45% in three days.