Mpox still a threat despite containment, health officials warn

A mpox patient being examined at HCM City Dermatology Hospital. — Photo  courtesy of the hospital

HÀ NỘI — Health experts are warning against complacency, urging continued vigilance even as the mpox outbreak remains contained, with concerns that the virus could still spread more widely.

While the outbreak is largely confined to specific groups, Việt Nam has seen 202 cases and eight deaths since 2022.

The virus mainly spreads through sexual contact, with HCM City reporting the highest number of cases and fatalities.

From 2023 to 2024, the city recorded 156 cases, including six deaths, with 49 cases reported in 2024 alone.

All infections involved male patients, with an average age of 32. Notably, 84 per cent of these individuals identified as men who have sex with men, 55 per cent were living with HIV and seven per cent were undergoing pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV.

Associate Professor Dr Trần Đắc Phu, former director of the Ministry of Health's Department of Preventive Medicine and senior advisor to the Centre for Emergency Response to Public Health Events in Việt Nam, said that mpox is a zoonotic disease, transmitted from rodents to humans and from person to person.

While the virus remains endemic in parts of Africa, it has since 2022 spread to several countries, including Việt Nam.

Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox to be a global public health emergency, following a sharp rise in cases across several African nations.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the virus is experiencing a significant surge, with over 15,600 cases and 537 deaths reported this year alone.

Dr Phu said the WHO's emergency declaration underscores the difficulty of containing the virus in Africa and the risk of it mutating into more dangerous strains.

However, he urged the public not to panic, but to remain cautious. He emphasised that while there is no need for excessive concern about mpox spreading in Việt Nam, complacency must be avoided.

The doctor warned that improper responses could lead to an escalation of the outbreak, while overreacting could deplete resources that are needed for addressing other pressing health issues.

Việt Nam has recorded sporadic cases in provinces such as Đồng Nai, Kiên Giang and Cà Mau this year.

Although there has been no significant spread, the Ministry of Health warns that the country must remain vigilant to prevent further outbreaks, especially given the complex global situation and increased international travel.

The ministry has instructed local authorities to strictly follow government guidelines on disease prevention, including monitoring, diagnosis and treatment of mpox.

Surveillance has been enhanced at border checkpoints and healthcare facilities have been directed to incorporate monitoring into HIV/AIDS prevention activities as well as gynaecological and dermatological services.

Local authorities are also advised to review their pandemic preparedness plans and ensure sufficient medicines, equipment, personnel and funding are in place.

Communication campaigns are being intensified to raise awareness of prevention measures, particularly among high-risk groups. Any suspected or confirmed cases must be reported to the Ministry of Health.

The National Institutes of Hygiene and Epidemiology and major infectious disease hospitals are closely monitoring the situation to identify any clusters or unusual patterns of infection.

Experts advise the public to practise good hygiene and avoid high-risk behaviours such as unprotected sexual activity. Individuals are encouraged to limit intimate contact with people returning from affected regions. — VNS