Danish biotech company Bavarian Nordic said on Friday it has sent the European Medicines Agency (EMA) the data it needs to seek approval to expand the use of measles and smallpox vaccines in children and adolescents aged 12 to 17, according to Reuters.
On Thursday, an infection with the new mpox strain was confirmed in Sweden – Photo Shutterstok
The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday declared the outbreak of mpox, formerly known as monkey pox, as a public health emergency of international concern, the highest level of alert, for the second time in two years. The statement came following an outbreak of viral infection in the Democratic Republic of Congo that spread to neighboring countries, reports Agerpres.
In this context, the Bavarian Nordic company emphasized that children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to this disease.
On Thursday, Sweden confirmed an infection with the new strain of mpox, indicating that the disease is starting to spread across the European continent.
“CChildren and adolescents are disproportionately affected by mpox in the African outbreak, indicating the importance and urgency of expanding access to vaccines and therapies for this vulnerable population.”according to a statement signed by Paul Chaplin, CEO of the Bavarian Nordic company.
Following the EMA assessment, the authorization for the vaccines could be extended to children and adolescents in the fourth quarter of the year. Bavarian Nordic is preparing clinical trials for children between 2 and 12 years of age, funded in part by the Coalition for Innovations in Epidemic Preparedness, to begin in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda this year.
China steps up border controls after WHO Mpox alert
On Friday, China announced the strengthening of border controls to identify people who could be exposed to the mpox virus, in response to the alert issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding this disease, reports AFP, quoted by Agerpres.
Mpox or monkeypox is transmitted both from animals to humans and between humans through close contact. This includes direct physical contact as well as contact by breathing or talking near an infected person. The infection can cause fever, muscle pain and extensive skin lesions, and in the absence of proper treatment, can be fatal.
People from affected areas who have been exposed or have symptoms must declare to customs upon arrival in China, according to a statement from the Chinese customs service.
“Customs officers will take medical measures and conduct sampling and testing in accordance with procedures“, the statement states.
Vehicles, containers and goods in areas affected by mpox must be disinfected. These measures are in effect from Friday for the next six months.
On Thursday, Sweden reported the first case of infection with the more contagious and dangerous variant of mpox, a disease that has killed at least 548 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since the beginning of the year. The WHO has warned that other imported mpox cases could soon appear in Europe.
