COPENHAGEN, May 24 (Xinhua) – Close contacts of smallpox cases will be offered the smallpox vaccine, the Danish Health Authority (SST) said on Tuesday.
“The vaccine should be given after exposure to the infected person and this will reduce the likelihood of a severe course,” said Danish state broadcaster DR, citing Bolette Soborg, chief physician and director of the STS unit.
The announcement comes after a second Danish citizen tested positive for the virus that causes monkeypox, which has spread across Europe.
Both infected had just returned from trips to Spain.
Monkeypox usually causes mild symptoms and patients do not usually require hospital treatment, according to the STS.
Health Minister Magnus Heunicke said on Monday that “Danish health authorities do not anticipate a widespread outbreak of infection, but we are closely monitoring the situation to be as prepared as possible.” Enditem