Ways to prevent mpox transmission are to maintain a high standard of hygiene and avoid the consumption of bushmeat. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Berit Kessler
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that the recent
outbreak of mpox – formerly known as monkeypox – has represented a
global health emergency. This marks the second time in two years that
the mpox outbreak has resulted in a reaction of this scale, which is the
WHO’s highest form of alert.
The current outbreak has seen two strains of the disease spreading in
Congo and to other neighbouring countries. Causing flu-like symptoms
and pus-filled lesions, mpox is usually mild but can cause complications
and even death in children, pregnant women and immunocompromised
people.
Preventing mpox
The virus that causes mpox is transmitted from human to human through
large respiratory droplets or body fluids, especially from rashes and
sores, and intimate contact including hugging, kissing and sexual
intercourse.
Although there isn’t a vaccine specifically for mpox, medical
professionals have recommended that people should get the smallpox
vaccination, which can help to provide some cross-immunity.
Other suggestions include maintaining a high standard of personal
hygiene and avoiding coming into contact with skin lesions of infected
living or dead animals, as well as potentially contaminated items such
as bedding or towels.
Travellers who are returning from areas with an mpox outbreak should
seek immediate medical attention if they develop flu-like symptoms or
swollen lymph nodes and rashes within three weeks of their return.
Mpox toolkits for event organisers
Government organisations such as CDC has already established mpox
toolkits for event planners to provide guidance on minimising the risk
of spreading the virus before, during and after events. More information
can be found here.