Cover Concerns have arisen that the spread of mpox could trigger a global health crisis (Photo: Wikicommons)
Concerns have arisen that the spread of mpox could trigger a global health crisis (Photo: Wikicommons)
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The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time
A recent increase in mpox cases (formerly known as monkeypox) across Africa has led the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare it a global public health emergency. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the outbreak has claimed at least 450 lives in recent months, attributed to a new variant, Clade 1b.
While mpox is primarily found in central and western Africa, the Philippines recently reported its first case of the year. Singapore has recorded ten cases since January, prompting Southeast Asian nations to intensify their preventive measures.
Although Malaysia has not reported any new mpox cases this year, the Health Ministry has announced heightened surveillance efforts, particularly for international travellers. Arrivals are advised to monitor their health for 21 days.
The ministry has also assured the public that there are sufficient resources for accurate testing, with 10 laboratories equipped to perform PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests to confirm diagnoses.
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Concerns have arisen that the spread of mpox could trigger a global health crisis akin to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, according to virologist Amir Yunus from USM, mpox is more stable than the coronavirus.
He told FMT that mpox is in the same category as smallpox, genetically speaking, which makes it much less likely to mutate into more dangerous forms.
Where did monkeypox originate?
Mpox is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the orthopoxvirus genus along with smallpox. It leads to incredibly painful rashes. While most people recover fully, some get extremely sick.
It was first identified as a distinct illness in 1958 amongst laboratory monkeys in Copenhagen. The first documented human cases were in 1970, involving six unvaccinated children during the smallpox eradication efforts. Between 1981 and 1986, over 300 human cases of mpox were reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The virus had been found in rats, dormice, and African squirrels.
It was given a new name by the WHO, which has announced the disease will now be called “mpox” in a bid to help tackle discrimination and stigma.
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What can be done to prevent mpox?
Above Mpox can be largely prevented by maintaining good hygiene (Photo: Pexels)
Mpox can be largely prevented by maintaining good hygiene (Photo: Pexels)
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Unlike Covid-19, mpox is mainly spread through direct contact. It can be transmitted via direct contact with infected bodily fluid, contact with material used by an infected person, and respiratory droplets or oral fluids.
Symptoms may appear between 5 and 21 days after exposure. This includes a fever, swollen lymph nodes, maculo-papular rashes (that become blisters), fatigue, chills, and muscle pain.
All individuals are encouraged to seek medical advice if they develop symptoms, or if they have recently been in close contact with an infected person or have travelled to an infected area.
Mpox can be largely prevented by maintaining good hygiene, disinfecting personal belongings, and isolating.
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Is there a mpox vaccine?
Above There are currently several vaccines available to be used against mpox (Photo: Pexels)
There are currently several vaccines available to be used against mpox (Photo: Pexels)
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The UN health agency currently recommends several vaccines for use against mpox. However, mass vaccination, which rolled out during the Covid-19 global pandemic, is not currently recommended.
At present, WHO recommends use of MVA-BN or LC16 vaccines, or the ACAM2000 vaccine when the others are not available.
Only people who are at risk of exposure to mpox should be considered for vaccination, according to WHO. Travellers who may be at risk based on an individual risk assessment with their healthcare provider, may wish to consider vaccination.
Several studies have shown that vaccination against “classic” smallpox is 85 per cent effective in preventing mpox. Previous smallpox vaccination may result in less severe disease. However, the smallpox vaccine has not been administered since the disease was eradicated in 1980.
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