Since the last declaration of a public health emergency in 2022, Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has once again come under the spotlight of the World Health Organization (WHO). Found in central and western Africa, this viral disease is endemic to tropical African countries.
On Wednesday, the WHO declared the Mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern amid a surge in cases of the disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Declaring a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: “The emergence of a new Mpox clade, its rapid spread in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and the reporting of cases in several neighbouring countries are of great concern. Coupled with outbreaks of other Mpox clades in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other countries in Africa, it is clear that a coordinated international response is needed to stop these outbreaks and save lives.”
Below is detailed information on the recent Mpox outbreak in Africa and how to prevent it:
What is Mpox?
Monkeypox, formerly known as Mpox, is a rare smallpox-like disease. It is caused by the same family of viruses (orthopoxviruses) that causes smallpox.
What are the symptoms?
According to research, fever, muscle aches, sore throat and rashes are some of the common symptoms that appear in people infected with Mpox.
How long does Mpox last?
This type of smallpox virus lasts two to four weeks.
How does Mpox spread?
Mpox can be transmitted through animals or a person infected with the virus. It is a highly contagious virus that can be infected through objects, fabrics and surfaces that have not been disinfected after use by a person infected with Mpox.
How is Mpox diagnosed?
In addition to confirming it through symptoms such as rashes and flu-like fever that occur in an infected person, health care providers can perform two tests. One blood test to check if the Mpox virus is present in a person’s immune system. The other test is a tissue sample from a skin lesion that will be sent to a lab for a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.
Is Mpox fatal?
According to experts, Mpox can sometimes be fatal. If not treated properly, it can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and infection of the brain and eyes.
Is there a treatment for Mpox?
“Although mild cases resolve on their own, people who become severely ill from Mpox can be treated with antiviral agents. Smallpox therapies can be used, although data on their effectiveness for this condition are limited,” Johns Hopkins Medicine states.
How to prevent Mpox?
- Since Mpox is a communicable virus, the first step to preventing it is to stay away from animals and people with Mpox.
- Avoid objects and other tools contaminated by the virus.
- Cook foods containing meat thoroughly.
- Wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose when around other people.
- Disinfect surfaces that you consider to be contaminated.
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when approaching animals or people infected with Mpox.
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