by InTrieste
As the world grapples with the resurgence of monkeypox, regional authorities in Friuli Venezia Giulia have moved swiftly to reassure the public that the situation remains under control, with no current cases linked to the more aggressive strain of the virus.
Riccardo Riccardi, the region’s Health Councilor, addressed the public in a statement that emphasized the rigorous monitoring efforts in place. “Our Regional Health Service, working in close coordination with the Ministry of Health, has been diligently tracking monkeypox cases since 2022,” Riccardi said. “The data we’ve collected and our continuous monitoring efforts make it clear: the situation is under control, and there are no immediate concerns for Friuli Venezia Giulia.”
The region’s approach to managing the virus involves sophisticated genomic sequencing conducted by its infectious diseases laboratory. This process, Riccardi explained, allows health officials to identify the specific virus strain present in any reported cases, ensuring that the regional response is both precise and effective.
Since the global outbreak was declared a health emergency by the World Health Organization in 2022, the virus has drawn increased scrutiny, particularly after a renewed state of emergency was declared earlier this month following an outbreak in Central Africa. However, Riccardi was quick to point out that Friuli Venezia Giulia’s preparedness has kept the region in a strong position to manage any potential threats.
“The total number of monkeypox cases recorded in our region since monitoring began in May 2022 is 17, with only four cases identified in 2024,” Riccardi noted. Importantly, none of these cases were linked to the more aggressive Clade I strain, which has been of particular concern to health authorities globally.
To further bolster the region’s defenses, vaccination efforts have been underway since August 2022. Friuli Venezia Giulia currently has 107 vials of the IMVANEX vaccine and 23 vials of the JYNNEOS vaccine on hand. These vaccines are being offered to individuals identified by the Ministry of Health as being at higher risk of exposure, including laboratory personnel and certain high-risk populations.
“Our vaccine stock is sufficient for now,” Riccardi assured, while also noting that the supply could be increased if necessary. The region has also distributed informational brochures to help educate the public about the virus and the steps they can take to protect themselves.
The monkeypox virus, which can manifest with symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, headaches, swollen lymph nodes, and skin lesions, is typically benign, resolving on its own within two to four weeks. Nevertheless, Riccardi stressed the importance of vaccination for those who may be at higher risk, particularly given that smallpox vaccinations, which offer some protection, were discontinued in Italy in the 1980s.
