The world had just begun to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, only to be confronted by new anxieties.
On Wednesday, the World Health Organization announced that the monkeypox outbreak in Africa has now been declared a global health emergency, marking the highest level of alert the agency can issue.
Then, on Thursday, the organization warned that more imported cases of monkeypox could soon appear in Europe after Sweden reported its first case of the disease, which has claimed at least 548 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo this year, attributed to a more contagious and dangerous strain of the virus.
Today, Friday, the Director-General of the WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, made further statements. He posted on his account on the “X” platform, stating: “The identification of the first case of monkeypox in Sweden underlines the necessity for affected countries to collaboratively combat the virus.”
“We urge all countries to enhance surveillance, share data, work towards a better understanding of how the disease spreads, make tools like vaccines available, and apply lessons learned from previous public health emergencies of international concern to manage the current outbreak,” he added.
How does this virus spread?
Monkeypox is caused by exposure to the virus, which is transmitted through close contact with an infected animal or person. It can also spread when a person comes into contact with objects (such as blankets) that have been touched by an infected individual, according to the Mayo Clinic website.
The virus spreads from one person to another in the following ways:
– Direct contact with the rash, scabs, or bodily fluids of an infected person.
– Direct and prolonged exposure (over 4 hours) to respiratory droplets from an infected person, including during sexual contact.
– Contact with clothing, sheets, blankets, or other items that have been used by an infected person.
The virus can also be transmitted from an infected pregnant woman to her fetus.
Regarding the transmission from animals to humans, it occurs in the following ways:
– Being bitten or scratched by an infected animal.
– Consuming undercooked meat from wild animals or birds.
– Using products made from infected animals, such as leather or fur.
– Direct exposure to skin rashes or bodily fluids from infected animals.
How can I prevent infection or transmission to others?
To reduce the risk of contracting the virus and prevent its spread, follow these guidelines:
– Avoid close contact with individuals exhibiting a rash similar to that of monkeypox.
– Avoid touching clothing, sheets, blankets, or other items that may have come into contact with an infected person or animal.
– Isolate individuals infected with monkeypox from those who are healthy.
– Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after contacting any infected person or animal. If soap and water are not accessible, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
– Avoid contact with animals suspected of harboring the virus.
– Certain smallpox vaccines, such as ACAM2000 and Genius, may offer protection against monkeypox since the virus is closely related to smallpox.
In this context, doctors may advise individuals who have been exposed to monkeypox to get vaccinated. Additionally, some individuals exposed to the virus through their work, such as those in vaccine laboratories, may also receive the vaccination.
Nonetheless, the CDC currently does not recommend universal vaccination.
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Understanding Monkeypox: Transmission, Prevention, and Global Response
The world had barely turned the page on the Corona pandemic and breathed a sigh of relief when anxiety enveloped it once again.
The World Health Organization declared on a recent Wednesday that the spread of monkeypox in Africa is now classified as a global health emergency, the highest level of warning the agency can issue.
Shortly thereafter, on Thursday, further warnings followed regarding the likelihood of more imported cases of monkeypox being detected in Europe. This escalation came after Sweden confirmed its first case of the disease, which has already claimed at least 548 lives since the beginning of the year in the Democratic Republic of Congo, attributed to a more contagious and dangerous strain of the virus.
On Friday, the Director-General of the WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, took to social media to confirm that the identification of monkeypox in Sweden underscores the need for affected countries to collectively confront the virus. He stated, “We encourage all countries to strengthen surveillance, share data, work to better understand how the disease is transmitted, share tools such as vaccines, and apply lessons learned from previous public health emergencies of international concern to address the current outbreak.”
Understanding the Transmission of Monkeypox
Monkeypox is an infectious disease that is caused by the monkeypox virus. It spreads in various ways, primarily through direct contact with infected animals or humans, as well as contaminated objects.
Human Transmission Methods
- Direct contact with the rash, crusts, or fluids coming from the body of an infected person.
- Direct and prolonged exposure (more than 4 hours) to respiratory droplets from an infected person, including during sexual contact.
- Using clothing, sheets, blankets, or other items that have come into contact with an infected person.
- Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy can occur as well.
Animal-to-Human Transmission Methods
- Being bitten or scratched by an infected animal.
- Consumption of meat from infected wild animals or birds that is undercooked.
- Using products made from infected animals, such as leather and fur.
- Direct exposure to rashes or bodily fluids from infected animals.
Preventing Monkeypox Infection
Reducing the risk of monkeypox infection involves various precautions. Here are some effective preventive measures:
Practical Tips for Prevention
- Avoid close contact with individuals exhibiting rashes similar to monkeypox.
- Do not touch any personal items (clothing, sheets, towels) of an infected person.
- Isolate individuals diagnosed with monkeypox to prevent further transmission.
- Post-contact hygiene is crucial—thoroughly wash hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer afterward.
- Steer clear of animals suspected of carrying the virus.
- Vaccination is an option—some smallpox vaccines, such as ACAM2000 and Genius, may offer protection against monkeypox due to their close relation to the smallpox virus.
Vaccination Strategies
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently do not recommend universal vaccination for the general public. However, individuals who have been exposed to monkeypox may receive the vaccine, especially those in high-risk professions, like laboratory workers handling vaccines.
Global Response and Collaboration
As alerts were issued regarding monkeypox, global health organizations, governments, and healthcare professionals acknowledged the pressing need for collaborative efforts. This involves sharing vital information, enhancing surveillance, and fortifying responses to outbreaks.
Case Studies of Response
| Country | Response Actions | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Democratic Republic of Congo | Increased vaccination campaigns and awareness | Ongoing cases reported |
| Sweden | Immediate contact tracing and monitoring | First case detected |
| United States | Public health advisories and vaccine allocation | Monitoring potential cases |
Conclusion
As monkeypox emerges as a global health priority, understanding its transmission and prevention, alongside collaborative global efforts, is key to managing this outbreak. Awareness and education will empower communities to respond effectively and reduce transmission rates.
