Mpox Outbreak: Know What You Can Do to Protect Yourself
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Monkeypox, also known as Mpox, has been declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO). Following the sudden surge of monkeypox in Africa, the international health organization declared the disease a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). Prior to WHO, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) also declared monkeypox a public health emergency.
More than 500 deaths have been reported and international help has been sought to curb the outbreak. Dr Tushar Tayal, consultant internal medicine officer at CK Birla Hospital in Gurugram, said: “High population density in cities can facilitate the spread of infectious diseases, making it difficult to contain them.”
Dr Tayal added: “The sudden appearance of outbreaks could overwhelm medical resources and health infrastructure, as we saw during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially if multiple regions are affected simultaneously.”
What is Mpox?
Mpox is a disease caused by a virus and causes a rash and flu-like symptoms. There are two types of Mpox: clade I and clade II. Clade I tends to cause a higher percentage of people with Mpox to become severely ill or die compared to clade II.
In the previous MPOX outbreak, clade II type was spreading, which did not cause any deaths. However, in the recent outbreak, clade I type of MPOX is spreading and can cause severe symptoms and even death. Therefore, it is important to stay protected from contracting the disease.
Mpox Symptoms
Symptoms of infection usually appear within a week, but can appear 1-21 days after exposure and usually last 2-4 weeks, although they may last longer in people with a weakened immune system. Below are some of the most common symptoms of mpox, according to the WHO.
- Rash
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Backache
- Low energy
- Swollen lymph nodes.
For some people, the first symptom of mpox is a rash, while for others there may be other symptoms. The rash starts as a flat sore that turns into a fluid-filled blister and may be itchy or painful. As the rash heals, the lesions dry out, form scabs, and fall off.
Mpox Prevention
Vaccination is one of the best ways to prevent MPOX. Other forms of prevention include decreasing human contact with infected animals and limiting person-to-person spread.
mpox vaccine
Experts say that vaccines developed against smallpox also provide protection against the smallpox virus. Currently, smallpox virus vaccines are only recommended for people who have been exposed or are likely to be exposed to the smallpox virus.
Other ways to prevent mpox
- Avoid contact with infected animals, especially sick or dead animals.
- Avoid contact with bedding and other materials contaminated with the virus.
- Cook all foods containing meat or animal parts thoroughly.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Avoid contact with people who may be infected with the virus.
- Practice safe sex, including using condoms and dental dams.
- Wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose when around other people.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for people infected with the virus.
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