Japan Working To Prevent And Treat Monkeypox
Japanese health authorities are taking measures to prevent the spread of monkeypox after two people tested positive in late July after entering the country from abroad.
The health ministry on Tuesday approved the use of a smallpox vaccine that is believed to be 85 percent effective against monkeypox.
As for medication, the ministry is working to establish a way to treat monkeypox using tecovirimat, an oral medicine for smallpox.
The ministry is creating a system for prefectural public health institutes to be able to conduct monkeypox testing. It is also asking municipalities to swiftly report any suspected cases.
Ministry officials say they may revise the reporting criteria and the testing manual following reports that cases involving sexual contact have particular symptoms.
Officials will also discuss whether to provide vaccinations for medical staff, laboratory personnel and health center workers who wish to get them.
The ministry says Japan has a sufficient supply of the smallpox vaccine.