Public statement on the mpox health emergency: how the medical technology sector can support the public health response
Posted on 21.08.2024
MedTech Europe, the European trade association representing the medical technology industry, acknowledges the recent declaration of a public health emergency related to mpox across various regions. We are acutely aware of the significant challenges that emerging infectious diseases pose to public health and the critical role that medical technology plays in combating these threats.
We stand in full support of patients and the healthcare professionals working on the front lines of this outbreak. The medical technology industry is committed to assisting them and public health authorities in managing and mitigating this public health emergency. Medical technologies can support the public health emergency response at multiple levels such as:
- Diagnosis by PCR – Mpox diagnosis is conducted via PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) of skin lesion materials. Given the transmission routes of mpox, it is crucial that laboratories adhere to strict biosafety procedures for handling, storing, analysing, and disposing of samples. This adherence is essential to scaling up testing capacity if needed.
- Surveillance – Strict surveillance of mpox spread, including characterising the strains causing cases within the EU, is essential. This will enable public health systems to prepare for any potential increase in the number and severity of cases.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – As contact with lesions or contaminated areas is the primary route of transmission, ensuring the availability of adequate PPE for healthcare professionals and workers managing mpox cases is paramount.
- Infection prevention – Hospitalised patients suffering from severe mpox must receive careful treatment, coupled with rigorous infection prevention measures and solutions to protect other patients and healthcare workers.
- Intensive Care Units (ICU) – Patients exhibiting severe forms of mpox may require ICU care. If the outbreak escalates, ICUs should be prepared to treat mpox patients.
- Vaccine Delivery Systems – Vaccines access is accelerating in several regions to develop an immune response to mpox. Beyond the biological preparation, vaccine delivery systems such as syringes and needles are critical components for vaccine administration.
As the situation evolves, the medical technology sector continues to monitor developments closely and stands ready to assist. MedTech Europe calls on public authorities to keep monitoring the evolution of the outbreak and the related medical needs. We also invite collaboration with other stakeholders to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive response to this outbreak. Our priority remains the health and well-being of the population, and we will continue to contribute our expertise and resources to help navigate this health emergency as efficiently as possible.
Mpox – State of Play
Since 2022 there has been an ongoing global outbreak of mpox (formerly known as monkey pox) which at the time was already declared a public health emergency of international concern. The situation has recently worsened considerably due to two factors, an upsurge in the number of cases in Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the emergence of a new strain belonging to clade Ib – a strain which is harder to treat and has a substantially higher mortality rate. Given the situation on 14 of August 2024 the WHO declared a public health emergency of international concern, noting in particular the concerns of the further spread of this strain across Africa and the rest of the globe.
The ECDC has confirmed one case in Sweden of clade Ib infection and continues to actively monitor the evolution of mpox in Europe where as of 8 of August 2024 a total of 685 mpox cases have been reported.
About MedTech Europe
MedTech Europe is the European trade association for the medical technology industry including diagnostics, medical devices, and digital health. Our members are national, European, and multinational companies as well as a network of national medical technology associations who research, develop, manufacture, distribute, and supply health-related technologies, services, and solutions.
For more information, please contact:
Miriam D’Ambrosio
Senior Manager Communications
MedTech Europe
[email protected]