Debosmita Ghosh • 19 Aug 2024
Mpox Outbreak: After Monkeypox Declared A Global Health Emergency; Know What You Can Do To Keep Yourself Protected
Mpox Outbreak: Know What You Can Do To Keep Yourself Protected
Photo : iStock
Mpox, also known as monkeypox has been declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organisation (WHO). After the surge of mpox in Africa, the international health organisation 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 mpox a public health emergency.
It reported over 500 deaths and called for international assistance to curb the outbreak. Dr Tushar Tayal, a Consultant in Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital in Gurugram said, “High population density in cities can facilitate the spread of infectious diseases, making containment more challenging.”
Dr Tayal added, “The sudden emergence of outbreaks could strain 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 it leads to rashes and flu-like symptoms. There are two types of mpox, clade I and clade II. Clade I usually causes a higher percentage of people with mpox to get severely sick or die compared to clade II.
In the earlier outbreak of mpox, the clade II type spread which didn’t cause fatality. However, in the recent outbreak, the clade I type of the mpox is spreading and it can cause severe symptoms and also death. Therefore, it is important that you keep yourself protected from contracting the disease.
Symptoms of Mpox
The signs of infection tend to begin within a week but can start 1–21 days after exposure and they tend to last for 2-4 weeks but may last longer in someone with a weakened immune system. Here, take a look at some of the common symptoms of mpox, according to WHO.
- Rash
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Back pain
- Low energy
- Swollen lymph nodes.
For some people, the first symptom of mpox is a rash, while others may have different symptoms first. The rash begins as a flat sore which develops into a blister filled with liquid and may be itchy or painful. As the rash heals, the lesions dry up, crust over and fall off.
Preventing Mpox
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.
Vaccine for mpox
Experts say that vaccines developed for smallpox also provide protection against mpox. Mpox vaccines are currently only recommended for people who’ve been exposed to or are likely to be exposed to, mpox.
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
- Thoroughly cook all foods that contain animal meat or parts
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
- Avoid contact with people who may be infected with the virus
- Practice safe sex, including the use of condoms and dental dams
- Wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose when around others
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for people infected with the virus.
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