Morocco’s Ministry of Health and Social Protection announced on Thursday that it is closely monitoring the epidemiological situation of monkeypox (Mpox), which is spreading rapidly and on a large scale in several African countries, as part of the international epidemiological surveillance system.
The national surveillance and response plan to this epidemic was updated in accordance with developments in the international epidemiological situation and changes in the level of knowledge about this disease, as well as recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO), the department said in a press release.
The Ministry added that a national proactive plan, elaborated and activated since June 2022, had detected 5 cases up to March 2024, most of which were imported and did not result in infection among those in contact.
These cases, which were moderate, have fully recovered without any complications, it continued.
The Ministry also reassured citizens of the level of vigilance and preparedness in the country, noting that it will continue to communicate and inform on the development of the situation.
According to the press release, the WHO Director-General, in accordance with the provisions of the International Health Regulations (IHR-2005), warned on Wednesday that the Mpox disease has become a public health emergency of international concern, and that the rapid spread of this epidemic since last year, as well as the high case-fatality rate recorded in one of the African countries, require a global effort and cooperation to limit its spread.
The WHO had classified the disease as a public health emergency of international concern between July 2022 and May 2023, while continuing to report cases in all regions worldwide, the same source added.
