There have been a series of infections mainly in Europe and the United States, and two Japanese people with a history of staying abroad have been confirmed to be infected with monkeypox. On the 2nd, we officially approved the use of this drug, and we are continuing to develop therapeutic drugs and inspection systems.
In Japan, two people with a history of staying abroad have been confirmed to be infected with monkeypox, one on the 25th and the 28th of last month. We are.
As for therapeutic drugs, we have created a system that allows us to administer an oral drug called "Tekovirimat" for research purposes to treat smallpox, which has similar symptoms to monkeypox.
In addition, we have established a system that allows testing to be carried out at all prefectural public health laboratories, and we are asking local governments to promptly report any suspected cases of infection to local governments.
In response to the indication of characteristic symptoms thought to be associated with sexual contact, which had not been reported in past epidemics overseas, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare should consider reviewing notification standards and revising inspection manuals. to
Regarding vaccines, the smallpox vaccine, which is said to be approximately 85% effective in preventing the onset of monkeypox, was officially approved for use against monkeypox on the 2nd. We are considering whether to vaccinate those who wish to be vaccinated among medical workers, inspection staff, and public health center staff who are at high risk of coming into contact with the virus.
According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, a sufficient amount of smallpox vaccine is stockpiled in Japan.