Mpox: how many cases in people who have never been to Africa

Question for written answer E-001559/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Virginie Joron (PfE)

According to Le Figaro[1], a steep rise in the number of mpox cases in the current epidemic, particularly in Central Africa, prompted the World Health Organisation to trigger its highest international alert level on 14 August 2024. A total of 38 465 cases have been recorded in 16 African countries since January 2022, with 1 456 deaths. According to the French interim government[2], 4 975 cases of mpox were recorded in 2022, 52 in 2023 and 107 in 2024.

According to the ECDC, 'the likelihood of sustained transmission in Europe is very low provided that imported cases are diagnosed quickly and control measures are implemented'[3].

• 1.How many cases have been detected in Europe among Europeans or residents in Europe who contracted the disease (a) in Africa, (b) after having been in contact with someone from Africa and (c) without travelling to Africa or having been in contact with someone who had been there?
• 2.Does the Commission recommend systematically testing people returning from affected African countries?
• 3.If, through public research, a generic molecule were discovered that was active against this virus, how could the Commission and the EMA authorise[4] its use if no company applies for authorisation?

Submitted: 27.8.2024

• [1] https://www.lefigaro.fr/sciences/mpox-un-premier-cas-declare-au-pakistan-d-apres-les-autorites-sanitaires-20240816
• [2] https://x.com/GabrielAttal/status/1824476544972001597
• [3] https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/news-events/ecdc-recommends-enhancing-preparedness-more-imported-cases-clade-i-mpox-highly-likely
• [4] Or support the trials and steps needed to complete the authorisation procedure.