Time: 2024-08-18
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has declared a state of maximum vigilance for the country 's health system due to the resurgence of the mpox virus . Attal 's announcement followed a meeting with outgoing health minister Catherine Vautrin and the delegated minister Frdric Valletoux , who resigned . Since the mpox epidemic outbreak in 2022 , France has implemented surveillance , rapid diagnosis , and vaccination measures to combat the virus . The circulation of the virus has been contained with 4,975 cases recorded in 2022 , 52 in 2023 , and 107 since January 2024.
In response to the increased circulation of the virus in Africa and the emergence of a new variant , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control ( ECDC ) have raised the level of alert . Attal has introduced new information measures and recommendations for travelers visiting and returning from high - risk areas . Regional health companies have been instructed to provide the latest information and recommendations to health facilities , professionals , and associations . The government is also coordinating with health authorities to update vaccination recommendations for target populations.
French Prime Minister Attal has emphasized the importance of international solidarity and containing the epidemic in Africa by donating vaccines to the most affected countries . The government is committed to providing updates on the situation , and Attal is expected to address ministers on Monday regarding further actions to combat the virus . Meanwhile , in South Korea , authorities have intensified quarantine and surveillance measures following the WHO 's declaration of mpox outbreaks in Africa as a global health emergency.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency ( KDCA ) has reported 10 mpox cases in South Korea this year , with all cases involving men aged 20 to 40 . The agency has decided to enhance quarantine and surveillance efforts without reinstating the crisis alert that was lifted in May . South Korea has an adequate supply of the Jynneos mpox vaccine and treatments available for 504 people to respond to any new cases . The situation remains manageable under existing disease control protocols , but authorities are taking proactive measures to prevent the spread of the virus.