Cyprus health authorities are on alert for potential mpox cases, despite the low risk of occurrence, said Dr. Elisavet Constantinou, Director of Medical and Public Health Services, on Thursday.
Constantinou reported that Cyprus has identified five cases since 2022. “We assess our preparedness daily, updating protocols and studying available resources,” she said.
The health ministry is participating in daily meetings with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the World Health Organisation.
Vaccinations are available at adult vaccination centres across all cities. Constantinou advised travellers to African countries with disease outbreaks to consider vaccination and avoid contact with individuals showing symptoms.
“We have sufficient stockpiles of pharmaceutical preparations and vaccines,” Constantinou stated. Diagnostic testing is available at Nicosia General Hospital’s Microbiology Laboratory and the Institute of Neurology and Genetics.
Constantinou emphasised that the ECDC assesses the risk for EU citizens who have not travelled to outbreak areas as very low. However, she advised vulnerable individuals, including the immunosuppressed, elderly, and those with multiple comorbidities, to take extra precautions.
These precautions include avoiding contact with diagnosed individuals, crowded places, and maintaining personal protective measures such as hand washing.
(information from CNA)
