We all have been witness of Covid-19 and its symptoms , guess what , quite unfortunately we have a new uninvited gues , namely MPOX.
Table of Contents
The issue
World Health Organization has recently declared mpox , also known as monkey pox as public health emergency of international concern. On Thursday , following a breakout in Congo , and UN health agency’s emergency meeting. WHO has reported more than 14,000 cases and 524 deaths in Africa alone this year , which exceeds last years figures. Over 96% cases are concentrated in Congo.
History of MPOX ?
MPOX , first identified in 1958 during outbreaks in monkeys , was first seen in western and central Africa , who used to have close contact with the infected animals. However , the virus first spread via sex for first time in 2022 , leading to MPOX outbreak in more than 70 countries , which did not have had reported the same before. This virus belongs to the same family as smallpox , with milder symptoms like fever , chills and body aches. While in severe cases can result in lesions and face, hand, chest and genitals.
The new Epicenter
In atleast 13 countries the virus’s case has been found , with 160% rise in the cases and 19% increase in death. Early in 2023 scientists discovered a new type of MPOX , which has a fatality rate of up to 10% and may spread more easily amongst people. This new form of MPOX , first causes milder symptoms and lesions around genitals , making it harder to detect. Dr. Placide Mbala-Kingebeni, a Congolese researcher , noted that this new version is harder to notice as asymptomatic individuals may spread it unknowingly .
The new epicenter from where everything can be traced down is Congo for now.
Symptoms
Monkey Pox usually appears at 3 weeks after exposure and the early stage symptoms include fever, headache , muscle ache ,swollen lymph nodes and fatigue.
A rash develops usually within few days of onset of the above symptoms , It can start off as small lesions that quickly leads to raised , fluid filled bumps. The rash can develop anywhere including face , hands , legs and genitals.
Although Monkey Pox is self limiting illness , which resolves in 2-4 weeks , however severe case may lead to Pneumonia , Encephalitis and Sepsis .
Treatment and Preventions
There’s no direct treatment for mpox as of now But antiviral injections can be useful in severe cases.
Although the most working way of preventing MPOX is vaccination , A vaccine named Jynneos is highly recommended for people working in most exposed area with this virus.
Other preventive methods may include , close contacts with the infected individuals , proper and clean hygiene and isolating infected individuals .
Global Challenges and Response
The WHO has already declared MPOX as public health emergency of International Concern in 2022 , However there are some challenges to it such as limited access to vaccines in some countries , inadequate surveillance and reporting systems . At personal level the challenge will be same for people as to be away from people that are already affected and also to maintain adequate hygiene.
Conclusion
The Covid-19 has already been one lesson to all the governments and people around the people . Even the 2022 outbreak of MPOX has been hard for some countries. Now its emerging again , even after so much , some countries yet lack the adequate equipment and medication to fight it . In such cases basic precaution should be every citizens responsibility. MPOX is although not as severe as Covid-19 , yet it can cause damage in severe cases and that yet again should not be forgotten.
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