GENEVA (Reuters), a senior World Health Organization official declared Friday that the primary goal should be to contain monkeypox in all countries. This can only be accomplished through swift actions.

Monkeypox (typically a mild viral infection) is an endemic disease in Africa. However, concerns have been raised about its spreading to countries that are not endemic such as Europe or the United States. In around 20 cases, the virus has been found in more than 200 countries.

Sylvie Brind, WHO’s director of Global Infectious Hazard Preparedness, stated that she believes that if the appropriate measures are in place we will manage it quickly. She spoke at an annual UN assembly technical briefing for member countries.

It was possible to control the spread of the virus, and she urged the public to forget about it. Transmission is also slower than some viruses, such as coronavirus.

Officials from WHO stated that mass vaccination is not necessary at the moment, however targeted vaccination may be required for people close to infected.

Rosamund L. Lewis, WHO’s head of smallpox, said that case investigation, contact trace, and isolation at home are your best bets. This is all part of WHO Emergencies Programme.