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The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a state of emergency in parts of Africa over monkeypox, sparking global public health concerns. The highly contagious disease, known internationally as mpox, has killed 450 people in an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
How common is monkeypox? In which countries does it occur?
Mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus. It comes from the same group of viruses as smallpox, but is much less harmful.
The virus was initially transmitted from animals to humans but is now also spreading between people.
It is most common in remote villages in the African rainforests, countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and elsewhere. In these areas, there are thousands of cases and hundreds of deaths from the disease each year, with children under 15 being the worst affected.
There are two main types of MPOX – clade 1 strains and clade 2 strains.
The last MPOX-induced public health emergency declared in 2022 was caused by the relatively mild Clade 2.
It has spread to nearly 100 countries where the virus is not normally present, including some in Europe and Asia, but has been brought under control through vaccination of vulnerable groups.
This time, however, it is the far more deadly Clade 1 – which has killed up to 10% of those who have fallen ill – and that number is steadily increasing.
Around September last year, the virus changed. These mutations gave rise to a branch – called Clade 1b – which has since spread rapidly. This new variant has been described by scientists as “the most dangerous variant yet.”
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said there have been more than 14,500 cases of MPOX infection and more than 450 deaths from the beginning of 2024 to the end of July. Compared with the same period in 2023, the number of infections increased by 160% and the number of deaths increased by 19%.
Although 96% of MPOX cases occur in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the disease has spread to many neighboring countries such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, where the disease is not usually endemic.
There is not enough MPox vaccine and treatment in the DRC, and health officials are concerned about the spread of the disease.
Experts say the new strain may spread more easily and cause more severe illness and more deaths in children and adults.
What are the symptoms of monkeypox?
Initial symptoms include fever, headache, swelling, back pain and muscle pain.
Once the fever subsides, a rash may appear, usually starting on the face and spreading to other parts of the body, most commonly the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
The rash can be very painful, changing and going through different stages, eventually forming a kind of scab which then disappears but may leave scars.
The infection usually goes away on its own and lasts 14 to 21 days.
In severe cases, the whole body may be affected, especially the mouth, eyes, and genitals.
How is monkeypox spread?
Monkeypox spreads from person to person through close contact with an infected person, including sex, skin-to-skin contact, and talking or breathing near another person.
The virus can enter the body through the skin, respiratory tract, or wounds in the eyes, nose, or mouth.
It can also be spread through contact with objects contaminated with the virus, such as bedding, clothing, and towels.
Close contact with infected animals such as monkeys, rats and squirrels is another route of transmission.
During the global outbreak in 2022, the virus was mainly spread through sexual contact. This year’s outbreak was mainly caused by sexual intercourse, but it was not only caused by sexual intercourse.
Who is most at risk?
Most cases occur in sexually active people and men who have sex with men. People who have multiple sex partners or new sex partners may be at greater risk.
However, anyone who comes in close contact with someone who has symptoms could be infected with the virus, including health care workers and family members.
Experts recommend avoiding close contact with people who have monkeypox. Washing your hands with soap and water always helps.
People with mpox should isolate themselves from others until all symptoms are gone. The World Health Organization (WHO) says condoms should be used preventively during sex for 12 weeks after recovery.
Source: lifo.gr
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