A top WHO official said on Monday that the monkeypox epidemic outside of Africa does not require mass vaccines since factors like excellent hygiene and safe sexual behavior would help prevent its spread.

In an interview with Reuters, Richard Pebody, the head of WHO Europe’s high-threat pathogen section, said that urgent vaccination and antiviral supplies are limited.

His remarks came as the United States was preparing to launch a missile defense system. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they were working on getting some Jynneos vaccine doses out for monkeypox patients.

On Monday, Germany’s government said it was reviewing vaccine possibilities, while Britain had provided them to select healthcare professionals.

In the greatest epidemic of the virus outside of Africa, where it is prevalent, public health officials in Europe and North America are examining more than 100 suspected and confirmed cases of viral infection.

Contact tracking and isolation are the major controls for the epidemic, according to Pebody, who noted that the virus is not easily disseminated and has not yet caused significant sickness. He went on to say that the vaccinations used to prevent monkeypox can have serious negative effects.

Scientists are attempting to figure out what’s causing the epidemic and whether anything about the virus has been altered. According to a top official at the United Nations, there is no proof that the virus has mutated. Separately, the agency stated on Monday.

Many – but not all – of the people diagnosed with monkeypox in the current outbreak had had intercourse with other males. However, the WHO stated earlier in the day that this cohort is more likely to seek medical advice or obtain sexual health screening.

According to Pebody, the majority of documented cases have not been connected to travel to Africa, implying that there may be a substantial number of undiscovered cases. Some health officials believe there has been some community spread.

He explained, “So we’re only seeing the top of the iceberg.”

Given the outbreak’s rapidity and the lack of understanding around its cause, there has been concern that huge gatherings and parties this summer might exacerbate the situation.

“I’m not saying don’t go to these events if you don’t want to have a good time,” Pebody added.