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The Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health (SES) made an interesting statement that may bring reassurance to the people of Uzbekistan amidst the spread of monkeypox in some countries. According to the committee, the majority of Uzbekistan’s population has collective immunity against this virus, which is linked to the smallpox vaccination carried out in the country before 1980.
Residents of Uzbekistan born before 1980 were vaccinated against smallpox, which provides them with immunity not only against that disease but also against monkeypox. This is because both viruses have similar structures, and the vaccine administered many years ago continues to protect people against this new threat.
Officials are confident that the likelihood of the monkeypox virus entering Uzbekistan is extremely low. In European countries where cases have been reported, active measures are being taken to isolate those infected and those who have been in contact with them. The anti-epidemic measures being implemented in these countries are proving to be effective and are reducing the risk of further virus spread.
The Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Welfare also noted that, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the monkeypox epidemic does not pose a global threat and is unlikely to reach the level of a pandemic like COVID-19. Hans Kluge, Director of the WHO Regional Office for Europe, stated that despite the spread of the virus in several countries, there is no need for panic. According to him, monkeypox is not as serious a threat as coronavirus, and the world already knows how to combat it.
Nevertheless, precautionary measures are being taken in Uzbekistan. SES recommends that citizens limit travel to countries with an unfavorable epidemiological situation regarding monkeypox and adhere to personal hygiene measures. When traveling abroad, it is advised to avoid contact with wild animals and rodents, and to use medical masks and disinfectants in places with large crowds.
Thus, the presence of collective immunity in Uzbekistan against monkeypox is an important factor in protecting the health of the population and preventing the potential spread of the virus in the country.
The text has been translated by AI. For more accurate information, please refer to the Russian version of the article.
