Although no cases of the new Mpox variant have been reported in France so far, Health Minister Frédéric Valletoux believes that “sporadic cases” could appear soon.
- In France, no contamination by clade 1 has yet been identified.
- Around 150,000 people in France were vaccinated against Mpxo during the 2022 epidemic.
- Covars president and scientist Brigitte Autran believes that the vaccinated population is “probably protected, although we do not know how long the effectiveness of this new vaccine will last.”
While a first case of the new Mpox variant, called Clabe Ib, was identified in Sweden on August 15, it does not seem to have made its way to France for the moment. Nevertheless, the French authorities want to be vigilant in the face of this more virulent strain which led the WHO to trigger its highest alert level last Wednesday.
Mpox: “no contamination by clade I has yet been identified”
“In France, no contamination by clade 1 has yet been recorded. Since the 2022 epidemic, it is the clade 2 virus that has been circulating quietly, with a monthly number of reported cases varying between 12 and 26 between January and June 2024.”explains Public Health France in a press release taking stock of this disease formerly called monkeypox.
The organization recalls in this message of August 16 that “The risk of infection by a clade 1 Mpox virus for the European population is currently considered low by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). As in Sweden, this does not prevent it from being likely that cases will be declared in France, for which the health authorities will put in place appropriate management measures.”.
In an interview with The Sunday Tribunethe resigning Minister Delegate for Health Frédéric Valletoux is also showing caution in the face of this epidemic. “There is a strong possibility of sporadic cases” of the new variant of mpox “appear, and probably soon” in France, he acknowledged.
He also clarified that it is “of a type of epidemic whose mode of diffusion and contamination has nothing to do with Covid-19. We must therefore reassure the population from this point of view”.
According to health professionals, Clade 1B is transmitted through “close” contact with the infected person, particularly during sexual intercourse (heterosexual and homosexual) or through contact with skin lesions. “Indirect” contamination is also possible through contaminated materials (such as bedding or surfaces).
Monkeypox: Vaccines available
Vaccines have proven effective against the Clade 2 strain of Mpox. Around 150,000 people have benefited from them in the last three years in France after the 2022 epidemic. “Today, we have robust stocks that allow for an appropriate response. We have more than in 2022 and we can order quickly if necessary.“, assured the resigning Minister Delegate for Health to our colleagues.
However, he clarified that he is “Too early to be certain about the level of effectiveness of the vaccines” on the new Clade 1B variant. Interviewed by France InterBrigitte Autran, professor emeritus in immunology and president of Covars, the Committee for Monitoring and Anticipating Health Risks, believes that the vaccinated population is “probably protected, although we do not know how long the effectiveness of this new vaccine will last”. “A priori, as for the 2022 epidemic, it would be necessary to have a new injection of vaccine to have complete protection”she added.
At the same time, the authorities plan to raise awareness about the new MPOX variant “all persons who have travelled to the affected areas, on departure and arrival of each flight” as well as the “publics most exposed to this risk through appropriate associations and networks”.
Furthermore, the telephone device “Monkeypox info service”set up in 2022, is still active. Open every day from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., on the toll-free number 0 801 90 80 69 (free call and services, anonymous and confidential), it provides information on symptoms, treatments, preventive measures and vaccination, and provides guidance on care systems.
