As the Ministry of Health recently closed Covid-19 vaccination centres, and inaugurated vaccination services in 16 health centres in various areas across Kuwait, fear over the ongoing monkeypox outbreak remains due to the anxiety that the viral disease might enter the country through travel. However, Infectious Diseases Consultant, Dr. Ghanem Al-Hejailan, warned against closing the coronavirus file too soon when unforeseen mutations are underway, at the same time stressing that health experts, including the CDC, are still recommending social distancing and preventive measures.
According to an Arabic paper, Dr. Al-Hejailan in a statement called for vigilance over the monkeypox virus because it has a huge possibility of infiltrating Kuwait considering there are existing cases in the Gulf and that most of those infected come from Europe, where a significant number of Kuwaitis currently stay and are expected to return as soon as schools reopen.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ghanem Al-Salem, an internal medicine consultant, said that closing down vaccination centres and administering the vaccines in health centres is a move by the MOH to put behind the shadows of the pandemic and learn to coexist with the virus, in the same way that humans had dealt with other viruses. He added that vaccination efforts had helped in flattening the curve, decreasing the number of infected cases and ensuring epidemiological stability, while the world awaits the latest developments in Covid-19 or the emergence of other disease-inducing novel viruses. According to him, the MOH has a cohesive medical sector, especially in epidemiology, which was born out of dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.
On the other hand, Dr. Al-Salem pointed out that the rapid spread of monkeypox has drawn the attention of health organizations knowing that the virus has existed for a long time and, therefore, raised concerns about its possible mutations and characteristics, especially when it is contagious through direct physical contact. Meanwhile, he assured that the MOH is extensively monitoring any potential cases of monkeypox-infected travelers entering the country and applying global health protocols for preventive measures.
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