Mpox Health Emergency In Sierra Leone: This declaration of public health emergency in Africa serves as a stark reminder of the ever-evolving challenges in infectious disease management.
Africas Health Ministry Declares Mpox A Public Health Emergency; All You Need To Know
Sierra Leone has declared a public health emergency following a sudden surge in mpox cases, marking its second confirmed case within four days. The government's swift response underscores the growing concern over the spread of this zoonotic disease, which has plagued several African nations. Health officials are ramping up containment efforts, including contact tracing, vaccination campaigns, and public awareness initiatives, to curb further infections. The Mpox outbreak highlights the urgent need for a robust global response to prevent mpox from becoming a larger public health concern.
In August 2024, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the mpox outbreaks in Africa a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), highlighting the escalating health crisis on the continent. This declaration underscores the urgent need for coordinated international response and resource mobilisation to combat the spread of mpox in Africa.
What Is Mpox?
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the mpox virus, which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus, the same family as the variola virus that causes smallpox. First identified in 1958 among laboratory monkeys, the disease was later detected in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mpox is endemic in several Central and West African countries but has recently seen Mpox outbreaks in regions beyond its traditional endemic zones.
Causes of Mpox
The mpox virus is primarily transmitted to humans from animals through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or cutaneous or mucosal lesions of infected animals. Human-to-human transmission occurs through close contact with respiratory secretions, skin lesions of an infected person, or recently contaminated objects. Mpox transmission can also occur via the placenta from mother to foetus. Notably, the recent outbreaks have shown that mpox spreads through close physical contact, including sexual contact, which was not previously considered a common transmission route.
Symptoms of Mpox
Symptoms of Mpox can be mild to severe. The incubation period of Mpox is usually 6 to 13 days but can range from 5 to 21 days. Initial Mpox symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. Within 1 to 3 days (sometimes longer) after the appearance of fever, patients develop a rash, often beginning on the face and then spreading to other parts of the body, including the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The rash evolves from macules (flat lesions) to papules (raised lesions), vesicles (fluid-filled lesions), pustules (pus-filled lesions), and finally to scabs that fall off as the skin heals. The illness typically lasts for 2 to 4 weeks.
Treatment for Mpox
There is currently no specific treatment for mpox. Management of Mpox disease focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications. Supportive care includes maintaining adequate hydration, pain management, and treating any secondary bacterial infections that may occur. In some cases, antiviral medications developed for smallpox, such as tecovirimat, may be considered under investigational protocols. Vaccination with the smallpox vaccine has been shown to provide cross-protection against mpox, and in response to the outbreaks, vaccination strategies are being employed in some regions to control the spread.
How Mpox is different from other viruses
While mpox shares similarities with smallpox, such as the characteristic rash and mode of transmission, there are distinct differences. Mpox generally causes less severe illness compared to smallpox, with a lower mortality rate. Unlike smallpox, mpox causes lymph nodes to swell, a feature that can help in clinical differentiation. Additionally, the recent mpox outbreaks have demonstrated that mpox spreads through close physical contact, including sexual contact, which was not a common transmission route for smallpox. This mode of mpox transmission has implications for public health strategies, emphasising the need for Mpox awareness and preventive measures in populations at risk of mpox.
The declaration of mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the WHO underscores the serious threat it poses to global health, particularly in Africa. Understanding the nature of the disease, its transmission, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial in controlling its spread. Public health measures, including surveillance, vaccination, and education, are essential to reduce the risk of mpox and prevent further mpox outbreaks.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
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