Adults were fully vaccinated against smallpox - Sanepid Committee

The adult population of Uzbekistan has been fully vaccinated against smallpox, as reported by the Sanitary and Epidemiological Committee.

It is noted that monkeypox is a viral infection characterized by general intoxication of the body and specific rashes on the skin.

"The likelihood of monkeypox entering our republic is very low. In European countries where monkeypox has been recorded, isolation measures are being implemented for patients and those in contact with them. These measures have proven to be fully effective in controlling the epidemic," the report states.

It is reported that adults in Uzbekistan born before 1980 are fully vaccinated against smallpox. This group possesses herd immunity, as the immunity generated from the smallpox vaccination also protects monkeypox, reducing the risk of widespread transmission.

To prevent the spread of the disease, the following recommendations are made:

• Restriction of travel to countries with an epidemiological risk of monkeypox;
• In the case of business trips, avoid contact with wild animals and rodents (e.g., monkeys, rats);
• Strict adherence to personal hygiene when visiting public places;
• When traveling with passengers showing symptoms such as elevated body temperature or rashes, maintain as much sanitary-protective (social) distance as possible, use medical masks, and disinfect hands regularly;
• Use of medical masks in public transport and disinfecting hands after leaving the vehicle.

It should be noted that the Serum Institute of India (SII), India's largest vaccine manufacturer, has announced the development of a monkeypox vaccine project.