Only a week ago, following the fast transmission of a new pathogenic strain of the mpox virus in Africa, notably in Congo, The World Health Organisation declared for the second time ever that there was a public health emergency of international concern.
Is this new outbreak as bad as COVID-19? Hereâs what you need to know about this new virus.
What is mpox?
Doctors previously called it âmonkeypoxâ. Although monkeypox has been known for years, this current rise in infections is caused by a new and more deadly strain called Clade 1b.
Based on assessments by the WHO, this strain is responsible for approximately 3.6 percent of mpox-related deaths, with a high degree of risk among young children. This viral disease spreads through close contact.
People can also contract it from contaminated environments, specifically through touching objects that an infected person has used.
This virus is transmitted by skin-to-skin contact, respiratory droplets, and contact with fomites containing an infected personâs mucous or saliva.
Personal hygiene and cleanliness are important preventive measures taken against its transmission.
What are the symptoms?
It is most commonly associated with a rash that may last 2-4 weeks and may be accompanied by other signs and symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, backaches, and decreased energy associated with the rash.
The rash may start with the development of small blisters on the face, palm, sole, groin, genital/anal regions, mouth, throat, or eyes.
Persons who are infected with mpox remain infectious for a period till all their small blister-like lesions have dried, scabbed, and fallen off with the regrowth of new skin.
Healing usually takes 2â4 weeks. Re-infection can occur after a person has already suffered from monkeypox.
In complex cases, re-hospitalization, supportive therapy, and antiviral drugs may be necessary to help reduce the severity of the lesions and quicken the recovery.
The head of the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee Dimie Ogoina stated,
The current upsurge of mpox in parts of Africa, along with the spread of a new sexually transmissible strain of the monkeypox virus, is an emergency, not only for Africa but for the entire globe. Mpox, originating in Africa, was neglected there, and later caused a global outbreak in 2022. It is time to act decisively to prevent history from repeating itself.
Countries affected by the Mpox
Burundi
The variant responsible for the upsurge of cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo has so far resulted in about 100 mpox cases in Burundi, 28 percent of which were in children under five, according to WHO.
Kenya
Kenya declared a mpox outbreak on July 31 after one case was confirmed in the Taveta sub-county. To date, there have been 29 suspected cases, 23 of which have tested negative, with six awaiting confirmations, according to Public Health PS Mary Muthoni.
Rwanda and Uganda
Rwanda was notified late in July 2024 of its first cases of mpox, four cases were confirmed, while Uganda confirmed two cases.
Sweden
After a person had contracted the disease during his stay in an area of Africa, Sweden said its public health agency had confirmed the first victim of a new, lethal strain of mpox.
Pakistan
A suspected case of mpox was reported in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). So far four people in the country are said to be affected. This 47-year-old patient from (Pok) who has recently returned to Pakistan from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is showing mpox Symptoms.
Philippines
The Philippines has just been considered as one of the countries that have been affected by the disease, with the detection of a new case of the mpox virus first seen in the country since December last year. However, test results shall establish the nature of the strain.
Thailand
On Thursday, 22 August, Thailand reported the first case of an advanced strain of mpox in Asia; it was a 66-year-old European who arrived in Bangkok on 14 August and later visited a local hospital with signs of mpox. Laboratory tests by the Department of Disease Control have confirmed that the patient had acquired mpox Clade 1b.
African Nations Prepare to Launch Mpox Vaccination Campaign as Infections Rise
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Africa CDC, said a vaccine was likely to be made available to the Democratic Republic of Congo and other affected African countries in a week.
How to prevent the spread of Monkeypox?
Protect yourself and others from mpox transmission by following these guidelines:
- Maintain distance from individuals showing mpox-like skin eruptions.
- Refrain from handling objects infected humans or animals use, such as linens or garments.
- Isolate mpox patients from uninfected individuals.
- Practice hand hygiene with soap and water after interacting with infected beings.
- Quarantine potentially infected animals.
- Seek immunization against mpox when available.
Conclusion
The new Clade 1b strain of mpox is spreading rapidly in Africa and appearing in other countries. Itâs more deadly, especially for children. While vaccination campaigns are planned, they havenât started yet.
Prevention is crucial, avoid contact with infected individuals and objects, practice good hygiene, and isolate cases. Although not as widespread as COVID-19, this outbreak requires urgent global attention to contain its spread and minimize its impact.
Mpox can be considered a public health emergency, especially during outbreaks, due to its potential to spread and cause illness.
The death rate of monkeypox varies by strain, but it ranges from 1% to 10%, with higher rates in those who are immunocompromised.
Yes, monkeypox usually resolves on its own within 2 to 4 weeks, although some cases may require medical intervention.
Monkeypox can be deadly, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems. However, most cases are mild to moderate in severity.
The first symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes, followed by a rash that turns into pustules.
Monkeypox is treated with supportive care, such as pain relief and hydration. In severe cases, antiviral medications like tecovirimat (TPOXX) may be used.
Anyone can get monkeypox, but those at higher risk include people who have close, prolonged contact with an infected person or animal, healthcare workers, and people with weakened immune systems.
Monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus, which spreads through close contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated materials like bedding or clothing.
