Global outbreak of Monkeypox declared as a public health crisis: Essential information
In a recent turn of events, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the ongoing monkeypox outbreak a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)" on July 23, 2022. As of now, more than 16,000 cases of monkeypox have been reported across 75 countries and territories, with five reported deaths.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO's Director-General, announced the decision due to the outbreak's rapid global spread. "I welcome the decision of the WHO Director to declare the current global monkeypox outbreak a PHEIC," comments Dr. Boghuma K. Titanji, assistant professor of medicine at Emory University. "For several weeks now the criteria for making monkeypox a PHEIC had been met."
Monkeypox is a virus that has zoonotic origins, meaning it transfers from animals to humans. Animals like monkeys, giant-pouched rats, African dormice, squirrels, and others can transmit the disease. It belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus of viruses, which also includes smallpox, resulting in symptoms similar but less severe than those of smallpox.
Most people infected with monkeypox experience symptoms such as fever, headache & back pain, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, and low energy, followed by a rash resembling pimples or blisters on various body parts, such as the face, chest, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, inside the mouth, genitals, and anus. The incubation period ranges from 5 to 21 days, and symptoms usually last between 2 to 4 weeks. Monkeypox currently has a fatality rate of 3-6%.
Two vaccines, JYNNEOS and ACAM2000, are available to help protect against monkeypox. JYNNEOS, also known as Imvanex, has been approved for preventing smallpox and monkeypox in individuals aged 18 and older. The U.S. Health and Human Services announced the ordering of 2.5 million additional doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine in early July. ACAM2000, on the other hand, is under review for monkeypox.
Prof. Piero Olliaro, director of clinical research at the Epidemic Diseases Research Group Oxford (ERGO) and International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infections Consortium (ISARIC), stresses the importance of remembering that while monkeypox is transmitted through close contact, sexual intercourse is not the only means of transmission. The virus transmits through respiratory droplets as well, which might allow it to spread more easily between members of close-knit communities, such as the LGBTQIA+ community.
To stay safe, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends avoiding intimate and skin-to-skin contact with a person who has a rash similar to that of monkeypox, not touching bedding, clothing, or other materials that may have touched an infected person, washing hands frequently, and maintaining personal hygiene. In certain African regions, people are also advised to keep away from known animal carriers of monkeypox and not touch sick or dead animals.
While vaccination plays a crucial role in managing the global monkeypox outbreak, it may not be the complete solution. Prof. Olliaro emphasizes the need for supportive care, diagnosis, and treatment to be effective in reducing the severity of symptoms and preventing complications. Rapid response measures, such as contact tracing, education campaigns, and timely public health interventions, are important in controlling outbreaks.
- The WHO's declaration of the monkeypox outbreak as a PHEIC underscores the gravity of the situation, requiring immediate attention and response from global health organizations.
- As the monkeypox virus has zoonotic origins, it's crucial for scientists to study its transmission dynamics to devise effective prevention and control strategies.
- Monkeypox, a virus that shares similarities with smallpox but has less severe symptoms, has recently spread rapidly across 75 countries and territories.
- With more than 16,000 reported cases and five reported deaths, the ongoing monkeypox outbreak underscores the importance of immunizations and vaccines in managing and preventing such health-and-wellness concerns.
- In this scenario, education-and-self-development becomes paramount, with the public needing accurate information about sexual-health, mental-health, and overall health implications to ensure personal well-being.
- The CDC's guidelines highlight the importance of avoiding intimate contact, practicing good hygiene, and maintaining a safe distance from infected individuals to control the spread of monkeypox.
- The availability of two vaccines, JYNNEOS and ACAM2000, offers a strategic approach in protecting people against monkeypox, but effective diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care are essential in reducing the severity of symptoms.
- In this unprecedented time, it's essential to invest in vaccine production and distribution to enable quick and efficient monkeypox vaccination in all affected regions.
- As we navigate this global health crisis, the intersection of technology, lifestyle, finance, personal-finance, business, entertainment, and general-news platforms can play a critical role in disseminating accurate information, promoting awareness, and fostering united efforts towards monkeypox control.
