Smallpox vaccines can be 85% effective against monkeypox: WHO

Data shows that vaccines that were used to eradicate smallpox are up to 85 percent effective against monkeypox, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). There isn’t a specific vaccine for monkeypox, but a smallpox vaccine does offer some protection. Reuters has reported that the UK has already offered smallpox vaccines to some healthcare workers and others who may have been exposed. Some countries have large stockpiles of the smallpox vaccine as part of pandemic preparedness. The WHO said it expects to identify more cases of monkeypox as it expands surveillance in countries where the viral disease is not typically found. So far, 92 confirmed cases and 28 suspected cases of monkeypox had been reported from 12 member states that are not endemic for the virus, the UN agency said, adding it will provide further guidance and recommendations in coming days for countries on how to mitigate the spread of monkeypox. What about the current...