Mpox cases rise in both Sweden and Pakistan; WHO declares virus an ’emergency’

Last week, Africa CDC disclosed findings in which a report confirmed that at list 13 African nations have now reported cases of mpox. They also had a 19% fatality rate and a 160% increase in the number of cases compared to last year.

Additionally, infected surfaces, bedding, clothes and towels are other sources through which the virus may access one’s body by way of wounded skin, respiratory system or eyes, nose and mouth.

According to Marks the mode of transmission is highly dependent on direct contact among humans for example sores in the skin which can hold viral shedding up to three weeks. Likewise, it is less likely transmitted through respiration as most people experience throat clearing from this pathogen within 7-10 days.

When an animal bites or scratches or comes into contact with wounds on a person caused by an infected animal the virus usually enters the body and then spreads from human to animal.

Do you have any symptoms?

What are they?

Pus-filled bumps accompanied by flu-like symptoms are the major signs of this disease even though it is mostly mild but can still lead to death.

Marks reports that many patients develop a “fairly mild illness” characterized by a rash with “five to 25 lesions,” fever, and muscle pain. He further noted that “some individuals get much sicker… ” developing instead “a more severe disease with multiple eruptions over their entire bodies.” In such cases, what might cause more serious symptoms?

According to Marks few affected persons have minor illnesses whereas some have severe ones. This condition could be fatal in people with weakened immune systems or untreated HIV infection.” Also, children seem more susceptible to severe illness” stated Marks.

He explained that there are several reasons why adults might be less prone than children to contracting mpox.”Some locations where mpox spreads widely have large numbers of kids; hence kids more likely play around and come into close contact with others thus facilitating transmission at a higher rate compared to adults who have little indirect interaction,” he said. On the other hand Ngongo says that because children’s immune systems are not yet fully developed they are also vulnerable.

Is there treatment for this particular strain of mpox?

According to Marks, a few antiviral drugs are being studied but no treatment for mpox is available yet. On the other hand, vaccination reduces susceptibility. He said that enough vaccines should be delivered to those who are most at risk in DRC and neighboring countries.

“Vaccination of people at risk protects them from infection and also helps control the epidemic, serving both the vaccinated person and the public,” he emphasized. Africans have been excluded from access to the vaccine used by some western countries during 2022’s outbreak of mpox,” added Ngongo.

“There are no vaccines in Africa. In their emergency supplies there might be a little left in the West though this does not help much since it is a continuing situation.” Ngongo clarified that so far Africa CDC had received 280,000 doses although one has to take two doses for them to be effective reducing total available stock to only 140,000 individuals.

What will you do protect yourself?

To reduce the spread of infection, Ngongo advised people to “go back to basics of personal hygiene:” washing hands, avoiding sick people and going to hospital if symptoms show up .

In countries where the vaccine is available it can provide substantial protection to its population.

Is there possibility of mpox spreading?

Retrospective research indicates that with swift detection of subsequent outbreaks linked to Congo, transmission may be halted rather quickly especially given containment resources accessible within wealthier states.

The biggest danger according to Marks is in central Africa where this disease originated from and has now expanded.

He added that, “The main risk will be on central Africa but there would be a few cases exported outside such as the Swedish….,”

Also, Ngongo encouraged all residents to take action immediately and learn from COVID-19 outbreak.