3 Jun 2022 17:06

Rospotrebnadzor offers test systems for diagnosing monkeypox to CIS countries

MOSCOW. June 3 (Interfax) - Russia's consumer rights watchdog Rospotrebnadzor is ready to supply tests for PCR diagnostics of monkeypox developed by the Vector Center to the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

"Rospotrebnadzor officials were told about the readiness to provide assistance to its CIS partners and supply the newest tests for PCR diagnostics of monkeypox developed by the Vector Center. There was an exchange of opinions on the epidemiological situation and the measures taken to prevent the import of the infection," according to a report published on the agency site on Friday.

Rospotrebnadzor held an extraordinary session of the coordination council on issues relating to the sanitary protection of the territories of the CIS stats from the import and spread of especially dangerous infectious diseases. It was attended by representatives of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and the CIS Executive Committee.

The meeting addressed issues relating to the interaction between relevant agencies on the fight against infectious diseases, in particular, the registration of monkeypox cases in some countries.

"To increase the effectiveness of joint-countering the infections, a decision was made to develop methodical recommendations on the organization of trainings using mobile laboratories, and also on the formation of a register of specialists of relevant establishments from CIS countries with the experience of working on the liquidation of sanitary-epidemiological emergency situations," the report said.

The Vector Center has prepared test sets for PCR tests of citizens suspected of having monkeypox to send to the regions. Initial diagnostics using the test systems will take place in 20 Rospotrebnadzor organizations, which will receive material from people with symptoms indicating possible monkeypox infection.