France Braces for Cases of New Monkeypox Variant

The French Ministry of Health anticipates sporadic cases of a new monkeypox variant. Health Minister Valletoux indicates the possibility soon in France, noting the questionability of the previous vaccination's effectiveness.

The French Ministry of Health and Prevention is preparing for the emergence of sporadic cases of a new monkeypox (mpox) variant in the country, as reported on August 18.

In a statement to the newspaper Le Journal du Dimanche, Health Minister Frederic Valletoux acknowledged the likelihood of encountering this new variant in France in the near future.

Valletoux also highlighted that approximately 150,000 individuals were vaccinated over the past three years following the 2002 outbreak of clade II mpox. However, he noted the uncertainty surrounding the effectiveness of these vaccinations against the new variant.