The continued outbreaks of mpox in Congo and other parts of Africa have been identified as a worldwide emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO), which means that immediate action is required to stop the spread of the virus. According to WHO, the number of cases of mpox has reached about 100,000 illnesses worldwide, with approximately 200 deaths. Should we worry about a new pandemic?
We have what we need to stop mpox; […] this is not the same situation we faced during COVID when there was no vaccine and no antivirals, explained Dr. Chris Beyrer, director of Duke University’s Global Health Institute.
The majority of mpox infections are currently being reported in Africa, with Congo reporting up to 96% of cases and deaths related to the disease. This country is unfortunately one of the poorest countries in the world, and its health system has mainly disintegrated as a result of the strain of measles, cholera, and starvation. Despite the fact that Congolese authorities have requested four million vaccines from donors, the country has not yet received any of them. However, this thing will definitely change soon.
How to stay safe?
Mpox, which is also known as monkeypox, is typically transmitted by near skin-to-skin contact with sick individuals or through the dirty clothing or bedsheets of those affected individuals. People who with this condition frequently develop obvious skin lesions, which may drive them to avoid coming into direct contact with other people. According to the results reported by scientists, the threat to the general population in nations where there are no active outbreaks of mpox is actually insignificant.
It is recommended by medical professionals that individuals who have lesions that resemble mpox avoid close physical contact with those individuals, that they do not share their clothing, accessories, utensils, or bedsheets, and that they keep good hygiene by regularly washing their hands. Any concern should be reported to a professional healthcare provider!
