BTN News: In a proactive move to safeguard public health, the Government of Chile has declared a preventive health alert in response to the escalating outbreak of monkeypox (Mpox). This action aligns with the global concern expressed by the World Health Organization (WHO), which has classified the Mpox outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern. With the epicenter of this current outbreak situated in the South Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Chilean authorities are taking no chances, emphasizing the need for preparedness across the nation.
The Chilean Minister of Health, Ximena Aguilera, announced the government’s decision, underscoring the importance of being prepared in light of the WHO’s warning. Minister Aguilera stressed that the declaration of a health alert, which is currently under review by the Office of the Comptroller, is a necessary step to ensure that all administrative measures and capacities are in place should any cases be detected within Chile.
Minister Aguilera explained that the health alert is particularly focused on epidemiological surveillance, ensuring that there is heightened awareness and vigilance regarding this new Mpox variant. The goal is to facilitate the prompt collection of samples for diagnosis and the appropriate management of any confirmed cases. The Minister also highlighted the capabilities of Chile’s Institute of Public Health (ISP), which is recognized as a continental leader in virology, capable of designing and implementing its own diagnostic tools to detect the virus.
With the country’s national holidays approaching, a time typically marked by increased travel, Minister Aguilera urged caution among those planning to travel abroad. Drawing on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, she pointed out that such periods often see a surge in infections of this nature. She advised the public to exercise caution in their behavior, particularly in avoiding high-risk activities, and to seek medical advice promptly if they suspect exposure to the virus.
Although this strain of Mpox is more contagious than previous variants, Aguilera reassured the public that it is not as easily transmissible as COVID-19, influenza, or other respiratory viruses, as it requires much closer contact for transmission. She acknowledged the possibility of cases emerging in various countries around the world but emphasized that the scale of the outbreak is expected to be far more limited compared to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health, several groups in Chile are eligible to receive the Mpox vaccine. These include individuals who have had contact with active cases, sex workers, HIV patients, those who have had or currently have a sexually transmitted infection within the past year, and men who have sex with men, regardless of their age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The full vaccination regimen consists of two doses, administered 28 days apart, and should ideally be completed at the same healthcare facility to ensure consistency in care.
As Chile braces for the possibility of Mpox cases within its borders, the government’s swift action and the public’s adherence to health guidelines will be crucial in preventing the spread of this virus. The preventive health alert and the targeted vaccination strategy reflect Chile’s commitment to protecting its population and mitigating the impact of this global health threat.
