Post-Covid, reassurance for people on the lookout for mpox

The situation is sadly familiar: a mutating virus, capable of transmitting from animals to humans, posing a global threat. On August 14, the WHO triggered its highest level of alert for a new variant of the “mpox” virus, judged by many experts to be more dangerous and contagious. The reinsurance point of view with Swiss Re.

Two years ago, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, an epidemic of the virus mpox (simian pox) has spread from endemic regions to Europe and North America. At the time, the WHO noted that this was the first time this virus had been reported in both endemic and non-endemic countries. In recent weeks, cases have increased again in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and are spreading to a growing number of African countries, causing hundreds of deaths since the start of the year. At least one case has been detected in Europe in a person who traveled to Africa, as well as several cases in Asia. This spread reminds once again that infectious diseases are not confined to one territory, and that global surveillance is essential.

A strong reminder

The resurgence of mpox is a strong reminder that a potentially fatal disease, capable of becoming more dangerous and contagious as it mutates, can spread globally despite our efforts to contain it. This is a challenge that spans several continents and must receive our full attention.

As in 2022, we do not currently anticipate any significant financial impact on the global insurance system following this new virus epidemic. mpox. This is because vaccines are already available and while there is some respiratory transmission, it primarily requires close contact with an infected person’s skin or mucous membranes to spread, making it easier to contain than many other viruses.

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