PAHO: We Have Means to Slow Monkeypox

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – We have the means to slow the spread of monkeypox, according to the head of the Pan American Health Organization, who says effective communication and support for at-risk groups will be key.

PAHO Director General Dr. Carissa Etienne explains that so far, in the Americas, most of the confirmed cases have been among Men who have Sex with Men (MSM), followed by at least 145 confirmed cases among women and 54 among people under the age of 18.

As of September 6, 2022 Dr. Etienne says 30,000 cases of monkeypox have been confirmed in the Americas. Four monkeypox deaths have been reported in Brazil, Cuba and Ecuador.

PAHO notes The Bahamas has requested monkeypox vaccines, which PAHO should be in possession of in September; PAHO expects to receive a second batch of vaccines in November and a third batch in December.