By- Sahr Ahmed
Introduction:
Mpox, which was earlier referred to as monkeypox, has now taken on a critical
incidence after it was declared a global health crisis by the
World Health Organization (WHO). This move demonstrates the
spread and possibly the danger that the virus poses in the community.
It is imperative to take time and familiarize yourself with Mpox, how
dangerous it can be, and all factors about preventing its spread as its
cases increase across the globe.
What is Mpox?
Mpox is caused by the Mpox virus and this is a type of viral zoonotic
disease. This implies that the disease can be transmitted from animals
to human beings. Mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus which was
first discovered in monkeys in 1958, with human infections being
reported in 1970. While effectively related to smallpox, which we
know is a quite deadly disease, Mpox is milder. It involves symptoms
such as fever, headache, swollen nodes, and a particular skin
formation referred to as ‘the rash’. , and although the majority of
infections clear up within 2-6 weeks, Mpox can predispose
individuals to develop severe complications in specific populations.
More details about the disease can be found on the
World Health Organization’s page on Mpox.
Why has WHO decided that Mpox is a global health emergency?
The WHO’s decision to declare Mpox a global health emergency
stems from several concerning factors:
Rapid Global Spread:
Although Mpox had been speculated to be endemic in some central
and west African countries, the first cases have been reported in some
parts of the world raising the possibility of the virus becoming a
pandemic. This exponential rate of increase needs intervention
international effort. Read about it in this article published at
Al Jazeera.
Potential for Severe Impact:
It has been evidenced that Mpox can cause severe consequences,
especially in immunocompromised persons such as children and
pregnant women. There will not be enough immunity in the
population and vaccines will be limited which makes a severe
disease possible.
Limited Access to Vaccines and Treatments:
Smallpox vaccine also exists but has limitations in distribution hence
the outbreak of the disease is hard to control. Measures to ensure
sufficient vaccination are being taken concerning high-risk zones.
The Centre For Disease Control & Prevention - CDC has additional information available for the vaccines and continued
preventive measures.
Risk of Stigmatization and Misinformation:
Prejudice and discrimination especially against specific people have
been a great setback to most health initiatives. Public awareness is
essential to demystify and debunk or promote existential facts and
knowledge.
In light of the above information the following can be done to prevent
and control Mpox;
Preventing and controlling Mpox involves several key strategies:
Enhanced Surveillance:
Improvement of surveillance mechanisms in the identification and
monitoring of such cases is crucial. It assists in focusing interventions
and control of disease outbreaks.
Vaccination:
The smallpox vaccine must be made available to high-risk regions and
susceptible populations. To a large extent, it does prevent the
transmission of Mpox by a fully vaccinated individual. There is more
information on the vaccination from the CDC Mpox Resource.
Public Education:
Educating people on Mpox, how it transmits itself, and its symptoms
is vital. Concerns to be addressed by such public education
campaigns include combating stigma and extending the idea of
appropriate medical consultation. Here is the WHO press briefing on announcing Mpox as a public health emergency of international
concern.
International Collaboration:
In essence, the Mpox outbreak is a global issue and this makes it
important to seek global solutions. To prevent the further spread of
the virus, countries must cooperate and exchange information,
expertise, resources, and knowledge.
Research and Development:
Further research into Mpox, especially on the search for the vaccine
and the treatment, should continue. Funding research will go a long
way in preparing for the next outbreak.
Conclusion:
Mpx is even now a proven threat to human global health since it
affects the lives of individuals in every part of the globe. The WHO
states that the spread of the new virus calls for concerted efforts to
prevent the virus and its effect on the health of every individual.
Constant monitoring of the virus, vaccination, and immunization
programs, creating awareness and international partnerships to
counter the effects of Mpox on health. To understand more about
Mpox watch this video on Mpox on how it started, its cause, and ways of transmission.
Comments
Post a Comment