WHO Prequalifies the First Vaccine Against Mpox

Current Context : The MVA-BN vaccine, manufactured by the Danish pharmaceutical company Bavarian Nordic A/S, has been added to the list of prequalified vaccines against monkeypox by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

• The MVA-BN vaccine can be administered in people over 18-years of age as a 2-dose injection given 4 weeks apart.

ABOUT WHO VACCINE PREQUALIFICATION (PQ)

• Established in 1987, the WHO Vaccine Prequalification (PQ) program was designed to ensure the quality of vaccines procured through United Nations purchasing agencies.
• Prequalification List : The WHO maintains a list of prequalified vaccines that have demonstrated positive results following a thorough evaluation of data, sample testing, and inspections of manufacturing facilities.
• The authority to approve vaccines and their manufacturing sites lies with the National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs).

ABOUT MPOX (MONKEYPOX):

It is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus.

• First Human case recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
• Types (Clades):
  • Central African Clade (Clade I)
  • West African Clade (Clade II)

• Symptoms : Skin Rash/Mucosal Lesions: Rash can develop into fluid-filled bumps that crust over.
• Systemic Symptoms: Fever, Headache, Muscle Aches, Back Pain, Low Energy, Swollen Lymph Nodes and generally last 2-4 weeks.
• Transmission
• Human-to-Human Transmission:
  • Direct contact with body fluids or lesions of infected individuals.
  • Prolonged face-to-face contact, including sexual contact.
  • Indirect contact with contaminated clothing or bedding.

TREATMENT

• Specific Treatments:No specific antiviral treatments are available for monkeypox.

Management: Early and supportive care to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.