The Spanish press has reported a suspected first case of monkeypox in a European national who returned from Morocco after spending a summer vacation in the kingdom. The individual has been placed in isolation pending the results of tests to be conducted by the Carlos III Institute in Madrid.
According to the same sources, the person in question entered Ceuta recently after coming from Morocco and began showing symptoms resembling those of monkeypox, prompting an immediate transfer to the university hospital in the city for medical observation.
The same sources added that the hospital's medical administration decided to place the individual in isolation as a precautionary measure. Simultaneously, samples were sent to the Carlos III Laboratory in Madrid for analysis to determine if the individual was infected with monkeypox.
The Spanish press stated that if the individual in the Ceuta University hospital is confirmed to be infected, it would be the first case recorded in Spain, following the detection of cases in several European countries, led by Sweden, which was the first European country to report a case of monkeypox.
This case also raises concerns for Morocco, given that the person in question had been on a holiday in the kingdom. This is expected to prompt Rabat to increase its level of preparedness to counter the potential spread of the virus.
Recently, the Minister of Health and Social Protection, Khalid Ait Taleb, chaired an emergency meeting with the specialized scientific committee to assess the latest epidemiological developments at both the national and international levels, as part of proactive measures to confront the outbreak.
According to a statement from the ministry received by "Assahifa," the meeting reviewed and evaluated the effectiveness of the surveillance and monitoring system in Morocco, which has proven successful in the early detection of incoming cases and ensuring immediate and effective intervention. Ait Taleb emphasized the need to continue strengthening this system in line with the recommendations of the World Health Organization.
The treatment protocol for monkeypox (M-pox) was also discussed during the meeting, where it was stressed that strict adherence to the prescribed treatment measures and the provision of all necessary medical supplies are essential to ensure the treatment of potential cases according to the highest standards of health safety, according to the statement.
The minister also called for strengthening communication channels with all stakeholders in the health sector to ensure the continuity of effective coordination and prompt response to any potential developments in the epidemiological situation. He reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to continued cooperation and coordination with various national and international partners and organizations to protect public health and limit the spread of the virus.
