Morocco on High Alert for Monkeypox, No Cases Detected Yet

In terms of health measures, Dr. Mrabet explained that travelers will not be subjected to tests at border posts, as monkeypox is different from Covid-19. In a statement to the Al3omk website, the official said that travelers from African countries at risk will also not undergo tests, for the simple reason that the symptoms of monkeypox are visible in most cases and asymptomatic cases are very rare.

However, health monitoring will be put in place at the borders to detect cases coming from countries affected by this disease and take the necessary measures. Moroccans who wish to travel to the affected countries are, for their part, invited to take preventive measures against monkeypox and malaria. In particular, they are advised to take medication, avoid approaching people with clinical symptoms, and go to the nearest health center if symptoms appear.

Dr. Mrabet further emphasized that particular attention will be paid to epidemiological surveillance and the monitoring of cases and contacts, adding that Morocco currently does not need a vaccine against monkeypox, as the World Health Organization (WHO) does not consider the kingdom as a high-risk country. During a meeting held on Friday under the chairmanship of the Minister of Health, the scientific committee attested to the effectiveness of this system, which has already proven itself in 2022, during the first appearance of monkeypox.